Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in the construction industry in the past due to its heat-resistant properties, durability, and affordability. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, could cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

As a result, the use of asbestos in construction materials such as insulation, flooring, roofing, and pipes, among others, was prohibited in the UK in 1999. However, many buildings built before this date still contain asbestos materials, posing a risk to the occupants and workers.