Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been widely used in building constructions due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it can pose serious health risks to humans upon inhalation. Asbestos exposure has been linked to diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

In the UK, asbestos was widely used until the 1990s when it was banned. This means that any building constructed before 2000 could potentially contain asbestos. It is important to note that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are not dangerous unless they are disturbed or damaged, which can release the fibers into the air.