Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction between the 1950s and the 1980s due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. For this reason, asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999.

However, many properties built before the ban still contain asbestos materials, which can be a hazard to the health of anyone who comes into contact with them. This is why it is essential to conduct an asbestos survey before any refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken. This will help to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that need to be removed or managed safely.