Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once commonly used in building materials. It was favoured for its strength, durability and fire-retardant properties. However, it was only in later years that the dangers of asbestos exposure were discovered. When asbestos fibres are released into the air and inhaled, they can cause serious damage to the lungs, leading to health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

In the UK, asbestos was only banned in 1999, which means that many houses and buildings constructed before then may still contain asbestos. As such, it's crucial to have your property tested by a reputable company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, to identify if there are any asbestos-containing materials present.