Asbestos is a highly durable and heat-resistant mineral that was commonly used in construction materials in the 20th century. The fibrous material was popular in insulation, roofing, and flooring due to its insulating and fire-retardant properties.

However, in the 1970s, it was discovered that asbestos was a carcinogenic substance that causes lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As such, the use of asbestos in construction was banned in the UK in 1999, but the miners and suppliers continued to sell asbestos-containing materials until 2003.

It is, therefore, important to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials from your premises, especially if they are damaged, friable or have deteriorated over time.