Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that has been used in various building and insulation materials for decades. Although asbestos has many useful properties such as heat resistance, strength, and durability, it has also been linked to several health risks including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry until its ban in 1999. However, many buildings and properties built before this time may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), which can pose a significant risk to human health if disturbed.