Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry in the UK between the 1950s and the 1980s. It was used for roofing, flooring, insulation, and other applications because of its excellent insulation and fire-resistant properties. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Despite the UK's ban on the use of asbestos in 1999, many buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials are not dangerous if they are undamaged, but if they are disturbed or damaged, they can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can pose health risks.

Therefore, it is important to have your materials tested for asbestos content before any renovation or demolition work. Asbestos testing will help you identify whether your materials contain asbestos or not.