Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry until the late 1990s due to its heat- and fire-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious lung diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Although the use of asbestos in building materials has been banned in the UK since 1999, many properties built or renovated before that time may still contain asbestos. It's estimated that around 50% of buildings constructed before 1990 contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

That's why testing for asbestos is crucial, especially if you're planning to disturb or remove any materials that may contain asbestos during a construction or renovation project. Asbestos testing involves taking samples from suspected ACMs and analyzing them in a laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos and its concentration.