Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction throughout the UK up until 1999. It was valued for its heat resistance and durability, and was used in a range of materials, including insulation, flooring, roofing, and pipes.

However, exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take many years to develop and can be fatal.

Asbestos is now banned in the UK, but many buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that were installed prior to the ban. It is important to identify and manage these materials to ensure that they do not pose a risk to the health of building occupants or the wider community.