Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in building materials, insulation, and other products in the UK until the 1980s. It has excellent heat resistance, durability, and chemical stability, which made it a popular choice for construction and industry.

However, asbestos is also highly carcinogenic and can cause serious health problems if inhaled or ingested. When the fibers of asbestos become airborne, they can penetrate the lungs and cause scarring, inflammation, and cancer over time. Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop and have no cure, so prevention and early detection are crucial.

There are six types of asbestos minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, was the most commonly used type in the UK, followed by amosite (brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos). All forms of asbestos are now banned in the UK, but many properties built before the ban may still contain ACMs.