Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in the UK building industry from the 1950s to the 1980s. Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials, such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and walls. It was valued for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, but it later became clear that exposure to asbestos was hazardous to health.

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they release tiny fibres that can be inhaled. Over time, these fibres can cause a range of serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos is still present in many buildings across the UK, particularly in older properties built before the 1980s.