Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials in the UK until the late 1990s. It was primarily used for its insulation properties and fire-resistant qualities. Asbestos materials were commonly used in building insulation, floor tiles, roofing shingles, and cement products.

However, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers could cause health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, a respiratory disease that can lead to disability or death. The risks of asbestos exposure are well-known, and the UK government banned the use of asbestos in new construction projects in 1999.

Despite the ban, many older buildings still contain asbestos materials. If your home or business was built before 2000, there is a chance that asbestos was used in construction, and you should have it inspected by a professional asbestos removal company, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.