Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials before the 1980s. Despite being banned in the UK since 1999, many older buildings still contain asbestos, particularly those built before the 1980s.

Asbestos fibres are hazardous to human health when they are airborne and breathed in. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious and fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

This is why it is crucial to have an asbestos survey carried out if you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work on an older building. You need to know if there is asbestos present in the building, where it is located, and what condition it is in.