Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing industries throughout the UK up until the 1980s. It is a strong and flexible material that had excellent heat and fire-resistant properties. However, asbestos was later identified as a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Following the identification of the dangers associated with asbestos, regulations were introduced in 1985 which prohibited its use in the UK. However, it can still be found in many older buildings, including homes, offices, schools and hospitals.