Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in construction materials for many years. It was popular because it is a durable and fire-resistant material. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including cancer and lung disease.

Many older buildings, especially those built before the year 2000, may contain asbestos. In fact, it is estimated that over 50% of all UK homes contain asbestos in some form.