Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is naturally fibrous and soft, making it easy to mine.

It has been used for thousands of years, but large-scale use began in the late 19th century because of its heat-resistance and fire-retardant properties.

It was used in fire-proofed clothes and in hundreds of thousands of buildings. One commonly seen use was in the corrugate roofs of blocks of garages and sheds provided for housing estates.

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Although the effects on health of working with asbestos were noted early in the 20th century it was in the late 1960s that restrictions were put on its use. The material is easily abraded and releases tiny fibres into the air when damaged, which can be breathed in.

That can cause serious lung conditions asbestosis and mesothelioma.

More than 5,000 people in the UK die of asbestos-related diseases every year – and about 100,000 people die every year across the globe.

The Asbestos Regulations which came into effect in 1970 made strict rules on how employers had to protect staff form asbestos.

Brown and blue asbestos were banned totally for use in the UK in 1985 and white asbestos in 1999.

If a building still has asbestos in its fabric and needs to be removed or demolished, specialist contractors who are licensed to work with asbestos are needed.