Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials throughout the 20th century. It was highly valued for its heat resistance, durability and strength, and was used in everything from insulation and roofing to flooring and electrical wiring.

Unfortunately, asbestos is also highly toxic when its fibres are released into the air and inhaled. This can cause a range of serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Even a single exposure to asbestos fibres is enough to cause these conditions, which can take years to develop and are often fatal.

Despite this, many older buildings in Studley and Wiltshire still contain asbestos in some form, and if it is disturbed during maintenance or renovation work, the risks to workers and occupants can be significant. That's why it's important to identify and remove asbestos as soon as possible.