Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of products, including insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles, and more. It was cheap, durable, and heat-resistant, making it a popular choice for construction and manufacturing purposes. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure have been known since the early 20th century. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs, where they can cause scarring, inflammation, and eventually, cancer.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in many different places, including:

Roofs Asbestos was a common roofing material in homes and commercial buildings until the late 1980s. Asbestos cement sheets were used for roofing and cladding, as they were strong, waterproof and resistant to fire.

Pipes Asbestos was often used as insulation for pipes and boilers, particularly in older buildings.

Flooring Asbestos-containing vinyl tiles and sheet flooring were widely used in homes, schools, and hospitals from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Walls Asbestos was used in wall plaster, as a reinforcing and insulating material. Some textured paints and coatings may also contain asbestos.