Asbestos is a group of six natural minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. It has excellent insulating and fire-resistant properties and was widely used in buildings, cars, and a variety of other products in the UK up until the 1990s when its dangers and associated risk were discovered.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials, including:

• Roofing sheets and shingles
• Insulation (in walls, ceilings, and floors)
• Pipes and ducts
• Floor and ceiling tiles
• Brakes and clutches

When asbestos-containing materials are accidentally disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition work, it releases tiny asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled by anyone nearby. These fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is essential to remove any asbestos-containing materials from your property, especially if it is more than 20 years old.