Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials in the past. It was commonly used because it is an excellent insulator, fireproof, and affordable. However, it was later discovered that asbestos is a carcinogen and can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. As a result, the use of asbestos in the building industry has been banned in the United Kingdom since 1999.

Despite the ban, many buildings in the UK still contain asbestos. If you live in a building that was built before 1999, there is a high chance that it contains asbestos. The only way to know for sure is to have a professional asbestos survey carried out.