Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials in the UK between the 1950s and 1990s. Asbestos was widely used due to its insulating properties and its ability to resist heat and corrosion. It was used in various construction materials such as roofing sheets, floor tiles, insulating boards, and cement.

However, it was later discovered that asbestos is a dangerous and carcinogenic material that can cause serious health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can damage the lungs and can cause fatal diseases that may not appear until decades after exposure.