Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry until the 1980s. It was commonly used in insulation, roofing materials, and fireproofing, as it was highly resistant to heat and fire. However, it was discovered that asbestos was extremely hazardous to human health and could cause a range of deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

As a result of its dangers, asbestos has been banned in many countries, including the UK. However, there are still many buildings in Titchberry and other parts of Devon that contain asbestos, and it is essential to have a professional asbestos survey conducted before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place.