First and foremost, it is important to understand what asbestos is and why it is a concern. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials in the 20th century, especially in the UK, as it is a good insulator and fire retardant. However, asbestos fibers are hazardous when inhaled or ingested, as they can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

As a result, the UK government banned the use of asbestos in construction in 1999, but many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), which must be identified and managed in a safe and responsible manner.