Asbestos testing is the only way to determine whether a material contains asbestos or not. You cannot tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Even if a material looks clean and new, it may still contain asbestos if it was manufactured before the year 2000.

If you own a property that was built before the year 2000, it's highly likely that it contains asbestos in some form. Asbestos was commonly used in many construction materials before 2000, as it was cheap, abundant, and highly effective. However, as we now know, asbestos can cause serious health problems, so it's essential to identify and manage any asbestos in your home or workplace.

Here are some reasons why asbestos testing is so important:

1. It ensures your safety and the safety of others. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause serious health problems, so it's vital to know whether you're at risk or not. By testing for asbestos, you can identify any areas of concern and take appropriate action to protect yourself and others.

2. It's a legal requirement. Asbestos is governed by a number of regulations in the UK, and testing for asbestos is required by law in certain circumstances. For example, if you're planning any refurbishment or demolition work on a building that was built before 2000, you must have an asbestos survey carried out first.

3. It can save you money. Asbestos removal can be costly, so it's best to know whether you need it or not. By having asbestos testing carried out, you can identify any areas of concern and decide whether removal is necessary.