Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals which were widely used in building materials from the 1950s to the 1980s. Asbestos was popular due to its insulation properties, fire resistance and strength but is now banned in the UK. However, many older properties still contain asbestos, and this can pose a significant risk to human health.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of materials, including:

• Insulation boards and lagging
• Ceiling and floor tiles
• Roofing and guttering
• Cement and cement-based products
• Textured coatings on walls and ceilings
• Pipe insulation

If these materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release asbestos fibres into the air which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.