Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in the construction industry for decades due to its durability, fire resistance, and other desirable properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers are highly toxic when inhaled, with long-term exposure leading to various health problems, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

The UK has strict regulations in place regarding the use, handling, and disposal of asbestos, with the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 2008 prohibiting the import, supply, and use of asbestos-containing products. However, buildings constructed before these regulations came into force may still contain asbestos, hence the need for testing.

Asbestos testing involves collecting samples of suspicious materials and analyzing them under laboratory conditions to determine the presence and quantity of asbestos fibers. An asbestos survey, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive assessment of a building's overall asbestos risk and involves the inspection, sampling, and testing of all potentially hazardous materials.