Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing throughout the 20th century. It was a popular material due to its fire-resistant properties, durability, and insulating properties. However, in the 1980s, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Since then, the use of asbestos in construction and manufacturing has been banned in the UK. However, it's likely that many buildings constructed before the ban contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).