Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used in building materials between the 1930s and 1990s. There are six types of asbestos - chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, but chrysotile (white asbestos) is the most widely used type in the UK, accounting for over 90% of all asbestos products.

Asbestos was used in a wide range of products, including:

• Insulation materials (such as pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, loose fill insulation, and board insulation)
• Fireproofing materials (such as fire doors, partitions, and curtains)
• Ceiling tiles and panels
• Floor tiles
• Textured coatings (such as Artex)
• Cement products (such as roof tiles, corrugated sheets, and gutters)
• Brake pads, gaskets, and clutch facings in cars

Asbestos materials can be found in any building constructed or renovated before the year 2000, including homes, schools, hospitals, factories, and offices. If asbestos materials are intact and undisturbed, they are generally not a health risk. However, if they are damaged or disturbed, they can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.