Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing industries all over the world until the 1970s. Its versatility, strength, and heat resistance made it an ideal material for insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building products. Unfortunately, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos causes serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases.

In 1985, the UK government banned the use of blue and brown asbestos, and in 1999, they imposed a total ban on the use, import, and sale of all forms of asbestos. However, many buildings and structures in Ebblake and the rest of the UK built before the ban still contain asbestos materials.