Asbestos fibres exhibit a wide range of properties that make them ideal for use in many different building applications across the domestic, commercial and industrial property sectors. Asbestos was also relatively easy to locate and transport, available in large quantities across the world and cheap to refine. The UK alone imported over 6.2 million tonnes of asbestos in the late 20th century, with Chrysotile (white asbestos) being the last type to be banned in 1999.