Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in construction and manufacturing industries in the UK up until the late 1990s. Due to its excellent heat and fire-resistant properties, as well as its strength and durability, asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, cement, roofing materials, and many others.

However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos particles can cause a wide range of serious and often fatal health conditions, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, the use and import of asbestos-containing materials were banned in the UK in 1999, and strict regulations were put in place to ensure the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos materials.

Despite these regulations, many buildings in the UK still contain asbestos, particularly those constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. This means that there is a risk of exposure to asbestos fibres if these materials are disturbed or damaged.