Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once commonly used in building construction due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres pose a significant health risk, causing serious respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

While asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Asbestos can be found in a range of building components, including insulation, ceiling tiles, roofing, and more.