Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials throughout the 20th century. It was used for its strength, durability, and fire-resistance properties. However, it was discovered that asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.

Due to its health risks, asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, but any building constructed before this year may still contain asbestos products. This is why it's important to get your building tested for asbestos before any renovations or demolitions are made.