Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that have been used for their heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties for centuries. Asbestos materials were widely used in the construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and other industries until the late 1990s, when their health risks became well-known and regulated.

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorated, they can release microscopic fibers that can be inhaled or ingested and cause serious and often incurable health problems. These include asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.

Although the use of asbestos has been banned or restricted in many countries, including the UK, there are still many older properties, structures, and products that may contain asbestos. It is estimated that about half a million non-domestic buildings in the UK, including schools, hospitals, offices, and factories, still contain asbestos.