Asbestos disposal. Worker from the Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal Service (HWCDS City of London) safely removing sealed asbestos building material. Asbestos is a natural mineral with long, thin, crystalline fibres. It was used as a building material in the late 19th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage. The fibres were often mixed with cement or woven into mats. The inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, a form of cancer. Asbestos is illegal in most countries including the UK. Photographed in London, UK.