Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in the construction industry, particularly in the decades following World War II, due to its numerous desirable properties, such as high resistance to heat, fire, chemicals, and electricity, as well as good acoustic and insulating qualities. Asbestos was incorporated into a wide range of building materials, including insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, roofing, wall and ceiling plaster, cement sheets, pipes, boilers, and ducts, among others.

However, in the 1970s, the scientific evidence linking asbestos exposure to various health effects, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases, started to emerge. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can cause irreversible damage to the lungs and other organs, leading to chronic and potentially fatal conditions, usually after a latency period of 20 to 50 years. Asbestos has been banned or restricted from use in many countries, including the UK, where it was prohibited in 1999.