Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing industries in the 20th century due to its heat resistance, durability, and low cost. However, as the health risks of asbestos exposure became apparent, many countries, including the UK, banned the use of asbestos and regulated its handling and disposal.

Asbestos can be friable or non-friable, depending on its condition and form. Friable asbestos can be crumbled or pulverized by hand pressure, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, while non-friable asbestos is still intact and bonded to other materials, but can become friable when disturbed or damaged.

The most common health effects of asbestos exposure are:

• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and has a long latency period of 15-50 years.
• Lung cancer: A common and deadly cancer that develops in the tissues of the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body.
• Asbestosis: A chronic and debilitating lung disease that causes scarring and stiffening of the lungs, making it harder to breathe.

Asbestos has been linked to other health problems, such as throat cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. Therefore, it's essential to avoid asbestos exposure as much as possible, and dispose of any asbestos waste safely and responsibly.