Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in construction, insulation, and manufacturing from the 1950s to the early 2000s. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they release tiny fibres into the air that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Other health issues associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening.

The fact that many buildings in the UK were built or refurbished during the years when asbestos was still in use means that asbestos-containing materials are still present in many properties. Any building constructed before 2000 is at risk of containing asbestos, but some materials may date back to the 1950s.

That's why it's crucial to have your property tested for asbestos if you plan to demolish, refurbish, or carry out any work that could disturb the building fabric. Asbestos testing involves taking samples of suspected materials and sending them to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. The results will tell you whether the material contains asbestos and what type and quantity of asbestos is present.