Asbestos was widely used in building materials from the 1950s to the 1990s. Many old buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals, and offices, still contain asbestos in some form. Asbestos was used in insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, roofing, pipes, and other products because of its fire-resistant and heat-insulating properties.

However, asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily become airborne when disturbed or damaged. When people inhale or swallow asbestos fibers, they can get trapped in their lungs or digestive system, causing inflammation, scarring, and eventually, cancer. Asbestos exposure can take years or even decades to develop into symptoms, making it hard to detect and diagnose until it's too late.

That's why the UK government has strict regulations on asbestos management and removal, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. These laws require anyone who may come into contact with asbestos to take proper precautions, including risk assessments, identification, labeling, and control measures.