Asbestos is a harmful mineral that was widely used in building materials for many years. Asbestos causes cancer, including mesothelioma, a rare and fatal disease that affects the lungs. As such, the use of asbestos-containing materials has been banned since the 1980s. However, if you own an older building, it is possible that it may still contain asbestos.

Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used for insulation purposes in the form of pipe and boiler lagging, sprayed insulation, loose-fill insulation, and insulating board. It was also used in building materials such as ceiling tiles and vinyl floor tiles. Asbestos can also be found in roofing tiles, cement products, and other construction materials.