Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is used as a building material due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. It has been widely used in the United Kingdom for over a century, but it's now known for its harmful effects on human health. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These health issues are irreversible, and there is currently no cure. As a result, the UK government banned asbestos usage in 1999.

However, many buildings constructed before 1999 still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). ACMs are present in many homes, offices, and other structures. Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye, and you cannot tell whether a material contains asbestos by merely looking at it. It's essential to be vigilant and have your property tested for asbestos.