Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals found in rock. These minerals form very fine, thread-like fibres. What looks like one fibre to the eye is made up of millions of extremely tiny fibres that cannot be seen. Each visible fibre composed of millions of microscopic “fibrils” can be released by processes such as abrasion.
In the past thousands of products have been manufactured with asbestos. Although the importation and manufacture of asbestos products was banned in Australia in 1989, it was legal to build with asbestos products until the very end of 2003.
Two out of three homes in Australia built between World War II and the early 1980s could still contain asbestos.
The predominant asbestos types used in manufactured product are;
- CHRYSOTILE – white asbestos
- CROCIDILITE – blue asbestos
- AMOSITE – grey brown asbestos
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged, cut, drilled, sanded, or allowed to break down over time, these tiny fibres can be released into the air. If inhaled the fibres can lodge deep in the lungs and remain there for many years.
Over time this can cause diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos containing materials are generally less dangerous when in good condition and left undisturbed. However if damaged, left to deteriorate or disturbed during activities such as renovation, demolition or maintenance they become hazardous.
Asbestos in our Homes
If your home was built or renovated prior to 1990 it could contain asbestos.
One in three homes contain asbestos including brick, weatherboard, fibro clad homes and apartments. Asbestos was often used to construct outdoor toilets, garages, carports, shed, fences and used as formwork for footings, it was sometimes mixed with cement and could be wherever cement was used in the construction and renovation of homes prior to 1990.
It is recommended homeowners use Licenced Asbestos Removalists to remove asbestos containing materials from their home. Using a licenced asbestos removalist is comparative to retaining most other trades such as a licenced electrician, builder or plumber. The cost of safe removal of asbestos by a professional is dependent on a variety of factors however it usually includes safe removal and disposal at authorised waste depots.