Asbestos is a natural mineral that was widely used in construction materials because of its durability, resistance to fire, and insulation properties. However, asbestos fibers can be deadly when inhaled because they can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. The danger of asbestos exposure to human health has been known since the early 1900s, and its use in building materials has been banned in the UK since 1999.

Despite the ban, many buildings in the UK still contain asbestos materials. Therefore, it is essential to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers.