Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry in the UK until it was banned in the late 1990s due to its toxic and deadly health risks. Asbestos can be inhaled into the lungs, causing serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos can be found in many materials in homes and buildings constructed before the 1980s, including insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, wall panels, and electrical components. Asbestos can also be present in soil, water, and air.