Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have fibrous qualities, which made it a popular construction material until it was banned in the UK in 1999. Asbestos can be found in a range of building materials including fireproofing, insulation, ceiling tiles, and cement. Asbestos is dangerous when it is disturbed or damaged in a way that causes the fibers to become airborne which can then be breathed in by workers and residents, causing serious health complications.

There are six types of asbestosactinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite. All of them can cause serious health problems including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The dangers of asbestos exposure mean that the material requires careful management in all stages of a building's life, including refurbishment or demolition projects.