Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials from the 1950s to the early 1990s. It was used for its heat-resistant and insulating properties and was found in a range of building materials such as insulation, tiles, and cement.

However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. This is why the use of asbestos in building materials was banned in the UK in 1999.

Despite the ban, many buildings still contain asbestos, especially those built before the ban. This is why it is important to have your building surveyed for asbestos if it was built before 1999.