Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction and industrial applications in the past due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It was only in the 1970s that researchers discovered that asbestos exposure could lead to serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999.

However, many buildings constructed before the ban may still contain asbestos. It is important to identify and manage any asbestos containing materials (ACMs) to ensure the safety of building occupants and workers.