Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It has been used in industry for decades because of its strong resistance to heat and chemicals. It was typically used as an insulating material particularly around pipes and boilers but can be found in fibreboard, roofing and guttering amongst other products.

 There are three main types of asbestos: crocidolite (blue), amosite (brown) and chrysotile (white). All types of asbestos are dangerous.

 People who worked in the manufacturing and processing of asbestos materials will have been exposed to asbestos dust. In addition, over time, asbestos products frequently degrade producing fibres and dust. If these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious lung diseases many years later.