Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials throughout the UK in the 20th century. It was used because of its insulating and fire-resistant properties, but over time it has been found to be extremely dangerous to human health.

Asbestos fibres are very small and can easily be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause serious health problems. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Unfortunately, many buildings in the UK still contain asbestos, especially those built before the year 2000. This means that if you're planning to renovate or demolish a building, you'll need to have it tested for asbestos first.