Before we delve into the costs of asbestos removal, it's important to understand what asbestos is and why it is dangerous. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials up until the 1980s. It was valued for its fire-resistant and insulating properties.

However, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos is now banned in many countries, including the UK, but many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Common ACMs include:

• Ceiling tiles
• Roofing sheets
• Floor tiles
• Pipe insulation
• Cement sheets
• Thermal insulation

Asbestos is safe if left undisturbed, but if it is damaged or disturbed, it can release microscopic fibers into the air that can be inhaled. This is why it is important to have any suspected ACMs tested and removed by professionals, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.