What exactly is asbestos and where does it come from?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction due to its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. It was commonly mined in countries like Russia, Canada, and South Africa and used in the UK until it was fully banned in 1999. Asbestos can be found in older buildings, particularly in insulation, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, and cement products.