Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries from the 1950s to the 1990s. It was valued for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, but it soon became clear that it posed a serious health hazard. When asbestos is disturbed, damaged or worn down, it releases tiny fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and lodged in the lungs, causing serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

It's estimated that asbestos-related diseases claim around 5,000 lives each year in the UK. If your property contains asbestos, it's important to take action to protect yourself, your family, and anyone who might come into contact with the material. This means identifying any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and devising a plan for their safe removal and disposal.