Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction in the UK until the 1990s. It was prized for its strength, durability and fire-resistant properties, but it was soon discovered to have a dark side. Asbestos fibres are incredibly harmful to human health, and long term exposure can lead to conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Even though asbestos is no longer used in modern construction materials, it remains present in many older buildings across the country - particularly those constructed before 2000. This means it is essential to have regular asbestos surveys to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building so that they can be safely removed or managed.