Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in construction and manufacturing in the mid-20th century. It is a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health problems when its fibers are inhaled. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases, with symptoms often not appearing until years after exposure.

Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials are perfectly safe as long as they are left undisturbed. However, if they are damaged or disturbed, they can release asbestos fibers into the air and cause serious health risks.