Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used in construction all over the world in the 20th century. The material is known for its excellent heat and fire-resistant properties, making it useful in several applications. For example, asbestos was used in insulation, roofing, and brake pads for vehicles.

However, growing evidence has shown that asbestos poses significant health hazards to people in contact with it. The material is divided into two main types: friable and non-friable asbestos.

Friable asbestos materials are those that can easily crumble into a powder when touched or disturbed. These materials pose a significant risk of airborne asbestos fibers, which are dangerous when ingested into the body. Friable asbestos includes insulation, pipe insulation and lagging, and sprayed-on coatings.

Non-friable asbestos materials, on the other hand, are more stable and present a lower risk to humans. However, the material still poses a threat of releasing fibers when drilled, cut, or damaged. Non-friable asbestos includes vinyl floor tiles, roofing and siding, and adhesives.

The use of asbestos was banned in the UK in the 1990s, but it's still in buildings that were constructed before then. It's important to note that asbestos-containing materials pose a serious health hazard only when they are disturbed, releasing the dangerous fibers into the air.