Asbestos was once a commonly used building material in the UK. It has excellent fire-retardant properties, high tensile strength and is a great insulator. It was used in the construction of pipes, insulation, roofing sheets, floor tiles, and more. However, studies have found that it is a highly dangerous substance that can cause severe health problems such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Exposure to asbestos fibres can occur when the material is damaged or disturbed, causing it to release tiny airborne fibres that can be easily inhaled.