Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the past for insulation, roofing, and flooring materials. Asbestos fibers are highly durable and resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. It was also used as a filler in cement and other building materials.

While asbestos was widely used in construction before the 1980s, its use was banned in the UK in 1999. However, many properties still contain asbestos materials that were installed before the ban. Asbestos is often found in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, insulation, boiler flues, and pipes. Even though the use of asbestos has been banned, it presents a serious health risk to those who come into contact with it.