Asbestos is a natural mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing industries in the UK until it was banned in 1999 due to its harmful health effects. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as insulation, roofing, pipes, and flooring can release tiny fibres into the air when disturbed or damaged, which can cause serious lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. It can take several years or even decades for these illnesses to develop, and there is no known cure for them.