Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials during the 20th century due to its remarkable insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that inhalation of asbestos fibers could cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, among other health problems.

Even though the use of asbestos in building materials was banned in the UK in 1999, many older properties still contain asbestos. This means that any renovation or demolition activity carried out on these buildings could release hazardous asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers and residents at risk.