Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in building materials in the UK until the 1980s. It was valued for its heat-resistant and insulation properties and was used in everything from roofing tiles to floor tiles to pipe insulation. However, it was later discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can cause several serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999.

Despite the ban, asbestos is still found in many buildings across the UK, especially in older properties. If you own or manage a property that was built before the 2000s, it's crucial to know if it contains asbestos and take appropriate measures to manage or remove it.