Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibers that have been widely used in building materials and consumer products since the early 1900s. Because of its strong and durable properties, asbestos was considered an ideal material for insulation, flooring, roofing, and other construction materials.

However, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 due to its known health risks. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, the fibers can be released into the air and inhaled. These fibers can then become lodged in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.