Before we delve into the specifics of asbestos surveys and management, let's first define what asbestos is and why it poses a health hazard to humans and animals.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was heavily used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the 1990s due to its excellent heat resistance, insulation properties, and durability. During this time, millions of homes, offices, schools, hospitals, factories, ships, and vehicles were built or renovated using various types of asbestos-based products, such as:

• Asbestos cement (used for roofing sheets, wall cladding, pipes, and gutters)
• Asbestos insulation (used for boilers, furnaces, ducts, and lagging)
• Asbestos textiles (used for fire blankets, gloves, and gaskets)
• Asbestos paper (used for electrical insulators and filters)
• Asbestos floor tiles (used in schools, hospitals, and public buildings)

However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the health risks of asbestos became widely known and regulated. Medical studies have shown that exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause various types of lung and respiratory diseases, including:

• Asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs that reduces their capacity to function)
• Mesothelioma (a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart)
• Lung cancer (a cancer that can spread to other parts of the body)

The symptoms of these diseases can take many years or even decades to manifest, making them difficult to diagnose and treat. This is why it's crucial to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials in buildings and structures, to prevent or minimize exposure to asbestos fibers.