Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials until the 1980s. It was valued for its strength, durability and fire-resistant properties, and was used in everything from roofing tiles to ceiling tiles, insulation to floor tiles. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos is now strictly controlled in the UK, and it is illegal to use or import it. However, many buildings constructed before the 1980s still contain asbestos materials. This means that if you are planning to carry out any renovation or construction work on your property, you need to have an asbestos survey to identify any potential risks.