Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in building materials in the 20th century due to its properties of heat resistance, durability, and sound absorption. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems when inhaled, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Although the use of asbestos in building materials has been banned in the UK since 1999, there are still many older buildings that contain asbestos, especially those built before the 1980s. Asbestos can be found in a wide range of materials, including ceiling tiles, floor tiles, insulation, textured coatings, and cement.