Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials from the 1950s to the 1980s, primarily because of its unique qualities of being naturally fire-resistant, durable and insulating. However, when tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious lung diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer that usually takes 20-50 years to develop.

Although its use has been banned in the UK since 1999, many buildings still contain asbestos, especially those built before the 1980s. This means that, if you own or operate a property that was constructed before 2000, there is a high possibility that it may contain asbestos. Therefore, it's important to seek a professional asbestos testing service to ensure your safety and that of others.