Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry throughout the UK up until the mid-1980s. It was considered a wonder material due to its durability and heat-resistant properties, and was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing.

However, it was eventually discovered that asbestos is extremely hazardous to human health, and can cause serious illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, and any buildings constructed before this time are likely to contain asbestos.

It is crucial to identify any asbestos-containing materials in buildings, as they can be a significant risk to health if they are damaged or disturbed. This is where asbestos testing comes in - it involves taking samples from the materials suspected to contain asbestos and sending them to a laboratory for analysis.