Asbestos is a mineral that was once commonly used in building materials in the UK. It was valued for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, which made it ideal for use in insulation, roofing, and flooring. Unfortunately, asbestos is now known to be extremely harmful to human health, and its use has been banned in the UK since 1999.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release asbestos fibers into the air. Once inhaled, these fibers can cause serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure is also linked to other health problems, such as gastrointestinal cancers and renal cell carcinoma.