Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry for its insulation properties, strength, and durability. However, it has been known for over a century that asbestos fibers cause serious, often fatal diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases. Asbestos fibers are very small and can easily be inhaled, leading to serious health hazards that can take decades to manifest.

Asbestos is now banned in many countries, including the UK, but it is still present in many buildings constructed before the ban. Asbestos can be found in various building materials, such as insulation, pipes, roofing, cement, and floor tiles, among others. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are not dangerous if they are in good condition and not disturbed, but they can become hazardous when they are damaged or deteriorate, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.