Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was widely used in construction and manufacturing from the 1950s until it was banned in the UK in 1999. It was used in a range of building products, including cement, roofing tiles, insulation, and floor tiles, due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties.

However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause a range of serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to develop and are most commonly caused by exposure to friable asbestos fibers that are released into the air through the demolition, renovation, or deterioration of ACMs.

It is estimated that asbestos-related diseases cause around 5,000 deaths each year in the UK, making it the biggest single cause of work-related deaths. This is why it is important to take the risk of asbestos seriously and take steps to identify and remove any hazardous materials from your property.