Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing in the 20th century due to its durability and fire resistance. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers are extremely harmful when inhaled, as they can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases. As a result, the use of asbestos in construction materials was banned in the UK in 1999.

Despite the ban, many buildings in the UK still contain asbestos, particularly those built before the 1980s. If you suspect that your building may contain asbestos, it's important to have it professionally surveyed and, if necessary, removed by a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.