Asbestos is a collective term for six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in building materials throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was prized for its durability, tensile strength, and fire resistance, and was a common component of insulation, roofing, flooring, and other products used in commercial and residential construction.

However, asbestos also poses significant health risks when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Asbestos fibres are microscopic, and can lodge in the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system, causing scarring, inflammation, and other health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Because of these dangers, the use of asbestos in construction and other industries has been banned in the UK since 1999. However, many old buildings still contain asbestos, especially those built before the 1980s, and require proper removal by licensed professionals to ensure the safety and health of the occupants and the public.