Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mined commercially in various places in the world, most notably Canada and South Africa. The mined rock is ground to produce fibres which, among other properties, are resistant to chemicals, non-combustible and have excellent insulation properties.

Its many useful properties combined with the fact that the fibres can be easily mixed with other materials has resulted in it being used in a wide variety of products.

Its main use in the construction industry was extensive in the UK from the 1950s, through to the mid 1980s before being finally banned in 1999.