Asbestos was used extensively in construction materials such as roofing tiles, insulation, flooring, and pipes, which means that many older buildings in Church Town are likely to contain asbestos.

If you own or manage an older property, it's essential to conduct an asbestos survey to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and take necessary measures to manage or remove them.

Asbestos materials used in construction can become dangerous when their fibres get released into the air through damage, wear, or renovation. Asbestos fibres are tiny and invisible to the naked eye, but they can cause a range of health problems when inhaled, including:

• Mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
• Lung cancer: A type of cancer that starts in the bronchia and can spread to other parts of the body.
• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced lung capacity.
• Pleural Thickening: A thickening of the lining of the lungs, which can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.

The danger of asbestos materials to human health is well-documented, and the UK Government has instituted laws and regulations to protect people from the risk of exposure to the material.