Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing in the UK until it was banned in 1999. It was used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, but it has since been discovered that long-term exposure to asbestos fibres can cause a range of lung diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The danger comes from breathing in the tiny fibres that can be released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition works.

As a result, the government has established strict regulations (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) to govern the management, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. The regulations require a comprehensive asbestos survey of any building built before 2000 to identify all asbestos-containing materials and assess the risk they pose to occupants.