Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was valued for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers are very dangerous when inhaled. They can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other debilitating diseases.

Asbestos is now banned in many countries, including the UK, but it still exists in many buildings and homes built before 2000. If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they can release fibers into the air, which can be harmful if breathed in. ACMs can be found in a variety of materials in your home or workplace, such as:

• Insulation materials (e.g., pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, loose fill, etc.)
• Flooring materials (e.g., vinyl tiles, adhesive, etc.)
• Walls, ceilings, and roofs (e.g., decorative coatings, ceiling tiles, cement products, etc.)
• Services (e.g., electrical switchgear, low-voltage ductwork, etc.)

If you suspect that any of these materials contain asbestos, it's important to get professional help to identify and remove them. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can put you at risk of exposure and is illegal without proper training and equipment.