Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that were commonly used in building materials such as insulation, flooring, roofing, and pipes, among others, until the 1980s. Asbestos can be found in various forms, including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite.

Asbestos became a popular building material due to its durability, heat resistance, and noise-absorbing properties. However, the prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause various health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory problems. Studies show that asbestos exposure is responsible for over 5000 workplace fatalities every year in the UK.

Asbestos can be extremely dangerous when it is disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating. The fibres can be easily released into the air, where they can be inhaled and stuck to the lungs. When this happens, the fibres can cause scarring and inflammation, leading to various respiratory issues.