Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was widely used as a building material up until the 1980s. Its versatility, durability, and heat resistance made it a popular choice for construction materials. However, it was later discovered that asbestos also poses severe health risks to humans, particularly when inhaled as dust or fibers. The hazards of asbestos are so severe that the UK government banned its use in 1999.

Asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, which can take years or even decades to present themselves. Asbestos materials can be found in many building materials, including floor tiles, roofing, insulation, ceiling tiles, and more.