Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in construction materials until the risks associated with exposure were discovered. There are six different types of asbestos, including:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
• Anthophyllite
• Tremolite
• Actinolite

All types of asbestos are highly hazardous, but they vary in their fibrous structure and chemical composition. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, the fibers can become airborne and inhaled, which can lead to a range of serious health problems, including:

• Asbestosis - a chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue
• Lung cancer - asbestos exposure is responsible for around 5% of lung cancer cases in the UK
• Mesothelioma - a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart

The risks associated with asbestos exposure are significant, but they can be mitigated through professional testing and removal services.