Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in various building materials, such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and pipes, due to its highly desirable properties, such as fire resistance, sound insulation and durability. Asbestos was widely used in the UK from the 1950s until the late 1990s, when its use was banned due to the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibres.

Asbestos fibres are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, which makes them extremely dangerous if inhaled. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause serious and often fatal respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The effects of asbestos exposure can take many years to develop, which makes it crucial to identify and eliminate any potential sources of exposure as soon as possible.