Asbestos is a natural mineral that was extensively used in the construction industry until the 1990s. Due to its heat resistance and durability, asbestos was used in everything from insulation to roofing tiles to cement. However, the dangers of asbestos became evident when it was linked to fatal diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Although asbestos poses a significant risk to human health, its use is not entirely banned in the UK. Asbestos was still commonly used in construction until it was finally banned in 1999. Therefore, properties built before the 1990s are likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). When disrupted, these ACMs can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air, exposing humans to the risk of inhaling them.