Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral thats been used for many years in building materials due to its heat resistance, durability, and low cost. Commonly used in insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, and cement, asbestos was widely used in buildings in the UK until the 1980s. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers can be inhaled, and when they accumulate in the lungs, they can cause a range of serious medical conditions, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. In the UK, asbestos-related conditions cause around 5,000 deaths per year, and exposure to asbestos is the single most significant cause of work-related fatalities.

Asbestos is known to be harmful, which is why its regulated by the government. There is an obligation on building owners and landlords to identify whether their buildings contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), and if they do, to manage and maintain them to ensure the safety of everyone within that building.