Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in the construction industry until the 1980s, mainly because of its excellent fireproofing and insulation properties. Sadly, the fibers from asbestos are now known to be highly hazardous if inhaled, leading to severe lung diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many UK buildings, especially those built before 2000, and can be found in a range of common building materials, including insulation, roofing tiles, ceiling tiles, pipes, boilers, and textured coatings.

Under CAR 2012, it's the responsibility of property owners, managers, and contractors to identify the presence and condition of any ACMs in their properties, manage them safely, and arrange for their removal if they pose a risk to health. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and imprisonment, as well as serious health consequences for workers and residents.

The first step in managing your asbestos risk is to arrange an asbestos survey from a reliable and experienced company.