Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was appreciated for its excellent insulation and fire-resistant properties, but it was later found to pose significant health risks to people exposed to it. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, among other respiratory diseases.

Fortunately, the UK government recognized the threat that asbestos poses to public health and banned its importation and usage in 1999. However, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in many buildings built before the ban, and they must be carefully removed and disposed of by licensed professionals.