Before we delve into the importance of asbestos surveys, it's important to understand what asbestos is. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the mid-1980s. It was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring due to its heat-resistant and durable properties.

However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. This led to the banning of asbestos in many countries, including the UK.

Even though asbestos is no longer used in building materials, many buildings constructed before the mid-1980s may still contain asbestos. This is why it's important to have an asbestos survey carried out before any refurbishment, demolition, or maintenance work is carried out.