No one can afford to ignore asbestos: it is all around us. Asbestos, once hailed as the miracle substance with a thousand uses, is currently killing about 1000 people per year, mainly former construction workers. Asbestos was imported into the UK, processed and used for a period of one hundred and fifty years. It reached its peak in the construction industry in the 1960’s and 70’s and, as such is present in many occupied buildings today. It is a fibrous substance which needs to become airborne and inhaled before it becomes a hazard. If you discover a substance which you think may be asbestos the first important rule is not to disturb it. You should call in a qualified asbestos surveyor or a registered asbestos removal contractor for advice.