Asbestos is a highly hazardous material that was widely used in construction, insulation, and other industrial applications in the UK until it was banned in 1999 due to its dangerous health effects. Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma, a rare and fatal form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos-containing materials are still present in many older buildings in Crooked Withies and across Dorset, posing a significant risk to the health of residents, employees and visitors alike. Asbestos exposure is a serious problem that requires urgent attention to prevent serious health complications.