First, let's talk about asbestos itself. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of building materials from the 1950s until the 1990s, when it was banned in the UK. Asbestos can be found in many places in buildings, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and ceiling tiles. When these materials become damaged or disturbed, they can release tiny asbestos fibres into the air, which can be breathed in and cause serious health problems.