Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties. It was commonly used in roofing materials, pipes, insulation, flooring, and more. However, when asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The importance of asbestos testing and survey cannot be overstated, as it is essential to identify whether materials contain asbestos prior to any renovation or demolition work. This is because any disturbance of asbestos-containing materials can lead to the release of dangerous fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.