Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were commonly used in building materials and products from the early 1900s until the late 1990s. Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, strength, and affordability, and was found in many forms, such as:

• Asbestos cement sheets and pipes
• Insulation boards and tiles
• Textured coatings and paints
• Floor and ceiling tiles
• Electrical components and wire insulation.

However, asbestos has been linked to several health conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases, due to its microscopic fibers that can be inhaled and trapped in the lungs. Therefore, the UK government and other regulatory bodies have restricted the use of asbestos since the 1980s and established guidelines for its safe handling and removal.