Asbestos is a group of minerals that were widely used in construction and industry throughout the world. It is strong, heat-resistant, and has good insulation properties, which made it an ideal material for use in buildings, ships, and many other applications.

However, asbestos is also highly toxic and has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Asbestos was eventually banned in the UK in 1999, but many buildings constructed before this time still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).