Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos exposure can lead to serious health risks, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

While asbestos is no longer used in construction materials, many buildings constructed prior to the 1980s may still contain asbestos. This is why it is crucial to have an asbestos survey conducted before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air.