Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the late 1990s. It is highly resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals, and can be woven into fabrics or mixed with cement, insulation, and other materials. However, prolonged and repeated exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen), and asbestosis (a chronic lung disease that causes scarring and breathing difficulties).

Despite being banned in many countries, including the UK, asbestos is still present in thousands of buildings and products, especially those built or installed before 2000. Asbestos can be found in walls, ceilings, floors, insulation, pipes, boilers, electrical equipment, and more, and it can release fibers when disturbed, damaged, or deteriorated. As such, it is crucial to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials before any refurbishment, demolition, or maintenance work takes place.