Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing industries for many decades. Due to its strong heat-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos was often used in building materials such as roofing, flooring, and insulation. However, prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but many properties still contain materials that were installed before the ban.