Asbestos was a commonly used building material in the UK until the late 1990s, and it was only banned in 1999. As a result, many buildings that were constructed before this period may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used for its insulating, fire-resistant, and soundproofing properties.

However, asbestos fibres are extremely hazardous to human health and can cause serious respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to develop, and there is no known cure for them.

Therefore, it is crucial to identify the presence of ACMs in a building before any renovation, demolition, or maintenance work takes place. Asbestos testing can help to determine the location, type, and condition of any ACMs present, and allow for proper risk assessment and management.