Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry up until the 1980s. It was valued for its heat resistance, sound insulation, and durability. However, it was also discovered that asbestos can be highly dangerous to human health. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

While the use of asbestos in building materials has been banned in the UK since 1999, many buildings constructed before this time still contain asbestos. This means that if you own or manage a property built before 2000, you have a legal duty to assess the risk of asbestos and put in place proper management procedures.