Asbestos, once regarded as a miracle material for its heat-resistant and fireproof properties, is now considered a silent killer. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Sadly, the UK has the highest death rate from mesothelioma in the world, with over 2,700 deaths each year.

The danger of asbestos lies in its hidden nature. Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can remain undisturbed in buildings for decades. Once disturbed or damaged, however, they can easily become airborne and inhaled, posing a serious risk to human health.

In Battisborough Cross, as in the rest of the UK, there are many buildings that still contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until its use was banned in the UK in 1999. Many older buildings, therefore, still contain asbestos in the form of insulation, ceiling tiles, plaster, and flooring.