Asbestos is a set of naturally occurring silicate minerals that were widely used in construction, insulation, and other industrial applications in the UK from the 1950s to the 1990s. Asbestos is prized for its fire resistance, heat insulation, sound absorption, and durability. However, asbestos is also notorious for its health hazards. When asbestos fibers are disturbed or damaged, they can become airborne and inhaled by humans and animals. Asbestos exposure can lead to a range of serious health conditions, including:

• Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease characterised by shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and limited lung function, caused by the inflammation and scarring of lung tissue due to asbestos fibers.
• Mesothelioma: a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or other internal organs, caused primarily by asbestos exposure.
• Lung cancer: a malignant tumour that grows in the lung tissue, caused by smoking, radon, and asbestos exposure, among other factors.

Asbestos is still present in countless homes, buildings, and industrial plants across the UK, especially those built or renovated before 2000. Asbestos poses a serious risk to anyone who disturbs or handles it, such as builders, plumbers, electricians, and homeowners. Asbestos must be handled with extreme care, using special tools, protective gear, and waste disposal methods. Failure to comply with asbestos regulations can result in severe penalties and legal liabilities.