Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction from the 1940s to the 1990s. It was used in a variety of building materials, including insulation, flooring, and roofing. While asbestos was considered a miracle material due to its heat-resistant properties, it is now known to be a serious health hazard.

When asbestos is disturbed, it releases tiny fibers into the air that when inhaled, can cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs). Asbestos was officially banned in the UK in 1999, which means that any building constructed prior to that year may contain asbestos.