Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the 1990s due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it has since been banned in many countries, including the UK, because it is a known carcinogen and can cause serious lung diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Asbestos can be found in many building materials, such as:

• Asbestos cement (roofing sheets, pipes, flues)
• Asbestos insulation (loose-fill, sprayed coatings, lagging)
• Asbestos insulating board (fire doors, ceiling tiles, partition walls)
• Asbestos textiles (thermal blankets, gaskets, ropes)
• Asbestos floor tiles and adhesives

Asbestos fibres are released into the air when these materials are damaged, degraded, or disturbed, such as during maintenance, demolition, or renovation work. Inhaling these fibres can cause serious health problems, which is why it is important to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials in your property.