Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials until the 1980s. It was commonly used because of its fire-retardant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that long-term exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, and it has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a known human carcinogen.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may include insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing materials, and other building products. Even if your property was built after the 1980s, it is still possible that it contains ACMs as older materials may have been used during renovations or repairs.