Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in many building materials from the 1950s through the 1980s. It was used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other products because of its fire-resistant and heat-resistant properties. While undisturbed asbestos poses no danger, any damage or disturbance to asbestos materials can release microscopic fibers into the air. When inhaled, these fibers can cause serious lung problems, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Asbestos materials can be found in many places in buildings constructed before 2000, including:

• Insulation (around pipes and boilers)
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Textured coatings (like Artex)
• Cement products (like roof tiles or gutters)
• Asbestos-cement sheets

If you're not sure if your building contains asbestos materials, it's best to work with a licensed asbestos surveyor who can identify the presence of asbestos fibers. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can arrange this on your behalf.