Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was widely used in the construction industry. It is a good insulator and is resistant to fire, which made it ideal for use in buildings. Unfortunately, asbestos is also highly toxic and can cause serious health problems when it is inhaled. These health problems can include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos was only widely used in construction until the 1990s when it was banned in the UK. However, many buildings that were constructed before this date may still contain asbestos. This means that it's essential to get an asbestos survey done if you own or manage a building that was constructed before the 1990s.