Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its excellent insulation and fire-resistant properties. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

While asbestos is no longer used in new construction products, many buildings in the UK still contain asbestos in various forms, such as insulation, flooring, pipes, and roofing materials. Asbestos is not harmful when intact, but when disturbed, it can release fibers into the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs and cause serious health problems.