Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was commonly used for its heat-resistant and insulating properties in building materials from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was also widely used in manufacturing products such as brake pads, textiles, and cement pipes.

While asbestos has many useful applications, it poses serious health risks when inhaled in its fibrous form. Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and cause scarring, inflammation, and breathing problems. Moreover, exposure to asbestos is linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.

The use of asbestos in new construction and renovation projects has been banned in the UK since 1999. However, many buildings and homes still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may release fibers into the air when disturbed or damaged.