Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were commonly used in construction in the UK until the 1990s. It was prized for its insulating properties, durability and resistance to heat and fire. However, it was discovered that inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious lung diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestos-related lung scarring.

The danger with asbestos in building materials is that it is often not visible to the naked eye. It can be present in many common building materials such as ceiling tiles, insulation, floor tiles, roofing, and piping. This is why it's important to have a professional asbestos testing company safely take samples to determine whether your property contains any asbestos.