Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials throughout the UK until the 1980s. It is fire-resistant and has high tensile strength, making it popular for use in insulation, roofing, flooring and other building products. However, asbestos has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, which is why it is now strictly regulated and must be safely removed from any building that contains it.