Asbestos is a mineral that has been widely used in construction materials in the UK until it was banned in 1999. However, buildings constructed before this period likely still contain asbestos in various materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and piping. When these materials are disturbed, the asbestos fibers can be released and may pose a health hazard to occupants of the building.

Asbestos fibers are known to cause serious lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases can take years to develop and can greatly affect a person's quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and safely remove any asbestos-containing materials from buildings to reduce the risk of exposure.