Pennycross is a suburb of Plymouth, located in the south-west of England. Like many areas in the UK, Pennycross has a history of using asbestos in construction. Asbestos was popular among builders because of its affordability, durability, and fire-resistant properties. However, it has since been discovered that asbestos poses a significant risk to human health.

Asbestos can be found in a wide range of building materials, including roofing, insulation, pipes, and flooring. The danger of asbestos lies in its fibers, which can be released into the air when the material is disturbed. If inhaled, these fibers can become trapped in the lungs and cause a range of respiratory disorders.