Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials in the past due to its durability and resistance to heat and fire. However, it's now recognized as a serious health hazard because exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.

If your building was constructed before the 1990s, there's a high possibility that it contains asbestos material. This is why it's essential to ensure that a proper asbestos survey is conducted before any building work takes place. Asbestos needs to be safely removed by a licensed asbestos removal company to avoid the release of hazardous fibers into the atmosphere.