Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials all over the world until the 1980s. It is valued for its strength and durability and was often used in products such as insulation, flooring, roofing, and cement.

However, asbestos is now known to be incredibly harmful to human health. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and be inhaled into the lungs, leading to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.

This is why it's important to get your property tested for asbestos, especially if it was built before the 1990s when the use of asbestos was banned in the UK.