Asbestos was widely used in the UK until the 1980s, mainly in buildings, such as houses, schools, hospitals, and offices, and in products, such as insulation, roofing shingles, floor tiles, and cement pipes. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in various places, such as ceilings, walls, floors, pipes, boilers, and electrical equipment. The problem is that ACMs are not always easy to identify, as they may look like other materials, such as plaster, wood, or metal.

When ACMs are disturbed or damaged, they can release fibers into the air, which can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. The risk of exposure to asbestos fibers depends on the type and amount of asbestos, the condition of the material, and the level and duration of the exposure. Even one exposure to asbestos fibers can cause long-term health problems, as they can remain in the lungs for decades and cause inflammation and scarring.

Asbestos testing is the process of identifying whether a material contains asbestos and, if so, what type and how much. Asbestos testing involves visual inspection, sampling, and analysis by a qualified laboratory. Asbestos testing is especially important before renovating or demolishing a building, as it can help to detect and manage potential hazards.