Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the building industry until it was banned in the UK in 1999. It's strong, durable, and fire-resistant properties made it a popular choice for insulation, roofing, flooring, and many other construction materials.

However, the fibres in asbestos can cause serious health problems when inhaled. These fibres can get stuck in the lungs and cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma - a fatal form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.

The danger with asbestos is that it is not always visible, and therefore, difficult to detect. That's why it's essential to hire a professional asbestos testing company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, to undertake a thorough survey and identify any asbestos in your building.