Asbestos was once a widely used material in the construction industry due to its fire-resistant properties. However, it has since been discovered that asbestos fibres can be hazardous to human health, causing a range of health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos is now a prohibited substance in the UK, and all asbestos-containing materials must be removed and disposed of by a licensed professional. Asbestos waste must be handled with care and cannot be disposed of in a general waste bin.