Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used for insulation and construction purposes in the past. Although it has many useful properties, asbestos is also a hazardous substance that can cause serious health problems if inhaled. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

As a result of the dangers associated with asbestos, its use was banned in the UK in 1999. However, many older buildings still contain asbestos in the form of insulation, roofing, flooring and other materials. Asbestos disposal is therefore an important topic for anyone involved in construction and renovation.