Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in various building materials for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. As a result, the use of asbestos in construction materials has been outlawed in the UK since 1999.

The problem is that many buildings constructed before 1999 still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials can be found in many areas of a building, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and even decorative coatings. The only way to know for sure if a material contains ACMs is through asbestos testing.