Asbestos safety

Asbestos-based building materials were used in the construction industry from the 1950s through the 1980s. These materials can no longer be produced or used in the Australian construction and manufacturing industries due to known associated health risks such as lung disease and cancer.

Existing older buildings may contain building elements or materials that contain asbestos. Undisturbed, undamaged and intact asbestos materials are generally considered safe.

Asbestos-based materials are potentially dangerous when people build or renovate and start removing, cleaning, cutting, sanding, drilling, grinding or pulling up materials that contain asbestos.  Once the hazardous fibres become airborne they can be inhaled.

Examples of where asbestos can be commonly found in buildings include:

• Fibro sheeting (commonly found in older garages, bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and external walls);
• Roofs (including eaves and gables);
• Vinyl tiles and backing;
• Guttering; and
• Drainage and flue pipes.