This week marks National Asbestos Awareness Week, 24-30 November, a vital reminder that the risks from asbestos haven’t disappeared. Despite the ban, ageing and deteriorating asbestos-containing materials remain in homes and workplaces across Australia. While many believe this is a problem of the past, the reality is different. Every year, an estimated 4,000 Australians die
If your home was built before 1990, it could contain asbestos in walls, ceilings, floors or eaves. Always check before you renovate or repair.
Asbestos can be found in many building materials used before 1990, and disturbing it during home projects can be dangerous. If you suspect asbestos, don’t try to remove it yourself and always call a licensed professional.
Smart tradies know the risks. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release dangerous fibres into the air. Always check before you start, especially in buildings built before 1990.
Renovations can disturb asbestos-containing materials, releasing microscopic fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres poses serious health risks, including diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestos was commonly used in Australian homes built before 1990, found in materials like cement sheeting, insulation, and floor tiles. Disturbing these materials during renovations can make asbestos
Asbestos could be hiding in your old roof, eaves and shed.
Homes built before 1990 may have asbestos in the following areas: Exterior Roof sheeting, gutters, downpipes, ridge capping, imitation brick cladding and lining under eaves. Bathroom, toilet and laundry Wall and ceiling panels, vinyl floor tiles and backing for wall tiles. Kitchen Wall and ceiling panels, backing for splashbacks, vinyl floor tiles, backing of vinyl
Your house could contain asbestos. Beware of asbestos. Asbestos can kill. Visit asbestossafety.gov.au
