Asbestos is a harmful mineral that was commonly used in the construction of buildings, homes, and other structures until the 1980s. It was widely used because of its durability and heat-resistant properties, but it is now known to release harmful fibers that can cause serious respiratory problems and cancer.

Despite being banned in the UK, there are still many older buildings that contain asbestos. If you own or work in an older building, especially one that was built before the 1990s, it is important to have it tested for asbestos.