Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry in the UK and many other countries until the late 1990s. Asbestos fibres are strong, durable, heat-resistant, and can withstand many corrosive chemicals, making them an attractive material for insulation, fireproofing, and other applications.

However, it was soon discovered that asbestos fibres were also toxic to human health if inhaled over extended periods of time. Asbestos exposure can cause a variety of lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, which can be fatal in many cases.

Since the 1980s, asbestos-containing materials have been banned in the UK, and the government has issued strict regulations on the management and disposal of ACMs to prevent dangerous exposure to asbestos fibres.