Asbestos is a highly hazardous and carcinogenic substance that was extensively used in the construction industry in the UK until the late 1990s. It was used for its fire-resistant properties and as a strengthening agent in building materials such as:

• Insulation
• Roofing tiles
• Flooring tiles
• Cement
• Pipes

When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed, such as during demolition or renovation, tiny fibres are released into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.