Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was popular due to its properties of strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and insulation. However, later on, it was discovered that asbestos can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos can be present in different forms, such as fibers or dust, which can be inhaled, leading to serious lung conditions. Exposure to asbestos occurs mostly from breathing in small asbestos fibers or dust that have been released into the air during activities such as cutting, drilling, or breaking asbestos-containing materials.

In the UK, there are regulations in place that require all commercial and residential properties to have an asbestos survey carried out by a professional company, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, before any construction, refurbishment, or demolition activity can take place.