Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the UK construction industry until the late 1990s. It was added to building materials such as cement, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and roofing shingles to increase their strength, durability, and fire resistance.

However, when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged or disturbed, they can release microscopic fibers that, when inhaled, can become lodged in the lungs and other organs. Over time, these fibers can cause scarring, inflammation, and genetic mutations that can develop into cancerous tumors.

Asbestos-related diseases are responsible for around 5,000 deaths in the UK each year, according to government statistics. The latency period between exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms can take decades, which means that many people who were exposed to asbestos in the past are still at risk of developing diseases.