Many people are understandably concerned about the dangers of asbestos, but they may not fully understand the risks. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have been used for many years in products such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. However, when these materials are disturbed, they can release tiny, invisible fibres that may be inhaled, causing serious lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

If you own a property that was built or refurbished before the year 2000, there's a chance that it contains asbestos. This is because asbestos was used widely in UK construction until it was banned in 1999. Even if you're planning to carry out minor repairs or renovations, you could accidentally disturb ACMs and put yourself and others at risk.

For this reason, it's vital to have your property tested for asbestos before you carry out any work. This will help you to identify any ACMs present, and take steps to manage or remove them safely.