Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction and manufacturing until the 1980s, when its health risks were discovered. In its raw form, asbestos fibers are strong, durable, heat-resistant, and non-conductive, making them ideal for insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing purposes. However, when these fibers become airborne, they can be inhaled and cause severe damage to the lungs and other organs. Unfortunately, thousands of buildings in The Close, and the rest of the UK still contain asbestos, especially those built or renovated before the 1990s.

If you suspect that your building may have asbestos, it's essential that you don't try to remove, handle, or dispose of it yourself. Disturbing or damaging ACMs can release fibers into the air, which can stay there for hours or days, and easily be inhaled by anyone within the vicinity. This can put your health, and that of your family, employees, customers, or visitors at risk of serious illness.