Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry in the UK from the 1950s until the 1990s. It was valued for its heat and fire-resistant properties, as well as its strength and durability.

However, asbestos is now known to be highly dangerous, and exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Although asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, it is estimated that up to half a million non-domestic premises and over a million domestic properties still contain asbestos materials. This means that if your property was built or refurbished before 2000, it is likely to contain some form of asbestos.