Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in the construction industry in the past. It was used as insulation, fireproofing, flooring, and roofing, among other things. However, in the 1970s, it was discovered that asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Since then, asbestos has been banned in many parts of the world, including the UK.

In the UK, all buildings constructed before 2000 may contain asbestos. If you're planning to renovate or demolish an old building, you need to carry out a survey to determine if there's any asbestos material present in the building. Removing asbestos is necessary to avoid any health hazards that might arise from exposure to asbestos fibers.