Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its heat-resistant, insulating, and fireproof properties. It was used in countless products from roofing, insulation, and flooring, to pipes, boilers, and ceiling tiles, among others. Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it can still be found in many older buildings, especially those built before the 1980s.

The danger of asbestos lies in its tiny fibres, which can become airborne and easily inhaled. Once breathed in, these fibres can cause serious respiratory illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pleural thickening. As these diseases can take decades to develop, people exposed to asbestos may not show symptoms until years or even decades later.

Therefore, it's crucial to identify and manage any ACMs in a building and prevent exposure to asbestos fibres. That's where asbestos surveys come in.