Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials from the 1930s until the 1990s. It was popular because it is strong, durable and fire-resistant. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres can cause serious and sometimes fatal lung diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Materials that may contain asbestos include:

• Insulation boards
• Ceiling tiles
• Textured coatings (e.g. Artex)
• Floor tiles
• Cement sheets
• Pipe insulation
• Lagging and thermal insulation

Asbestos materials can become dangerous when they are damaged, worn or begin to break down over time. When this happens, tiny asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled or ingested into the body. This presents a serious health risk to anyone in the building.