Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. These fibres are incredibly lightweight and resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage, making them ideal for use in building materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement.

However, when these materials are damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne and easily inhaled. Once inside the body, these fibres can cause a range of serious and life-threatening illnesses, including:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition that causes scarring of the lung tissue and breathing difficulties
• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, and abdomen
• Lung cancer: A type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body

Because asbestos-related illnesses often have a long latency period, symptoms may not appear until many years after exposure to the material. In some cases, it can take decades for the full extent of the damage to become apparent.