Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used in construction materials in the UK until it was banned in 1999. Asbestos was used in everything from insulation and roofing to flooring and paint. While asbestos was once regarded as a miracle material due to its resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals, it was later discovered to be highly dangerous to human health.

Asbestos becomes hazardous when its fibres are released into the air and inhaled. Over time, these tiny fibres can accumulate in the lungs, leading to deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.