Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used as a building material in the UK until the 1980s. It was prized for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, and was commonly used in insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing materials, and other construction products.

However, asbestos is also highly toxic and poses a serious health risk to anyone who is exposed to it. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause a range of respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Therefore, it's essential to have an asbestos survey conducted on any property that was built before the 1990s. This will help identify any materials that contain asbestos and determine whether they need to be managed, refurbished, or removed.