Asbestos was a commonly used construction material in the UK until the mid-1980s, before its dangerous properties were discovered. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were found to be carcinogenic and can cause serious respiratory problems if disturbed, releasing harmful fibres into the air that can enter the lungs when inhaled.

However, since asbestos was widely used in commercial and residential buildings alike for decades, the risk of exposure remains high. Although asbestos is no longer used in construction, many buildings built prior to 2000 may still contain asbestos, hence the value of effective asbestos abatement and removal.