Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in building materials throughout the UK from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was commonly used for insulation, flooring, roofing, and other applications because of its durability, fire resistance, and sound absorption properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-containing materials can be divided into two categories: friable and non-friable. Friable materials are those that can be easily crumbled or reduced to powder when dry, while non-friable materials are those that are more stable and do not crumble easily. Both types of materials can release toxic asbestos fibers when disturbed or damaged.