Asbestos refers to a group of minerals that have been found to have excellent natural fireproofing and insulating characteristics. It was extensively used in the construction industry in the United Kingdom between 1940 and 1999 to make insulation boards, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, and other building materials. It was only in 1999 that asbestos was banned in the UK owing to its hazardous effects on human health.

Asbestos becomes hazardous when it is damaged or disturbed during building activities, such as renovation or demolition, and the particles released into the air pose a significant risk to human health. Asbestos exposure can cause several fatal diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, with symptoms sometimes not being noticeable for up to 50 years.