Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry because of its properties such as fire resistance, heat insulation, and durability. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health risks. There are six different types of asbestos that were used in buildings, but the most common ones are chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), and crocidolite (blue).

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in various parts of a building such as roofing, insulation, floor tiles, and pipes. If these materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release asbestos fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and cause health problems.