National Asbestos Awareness Week 2024

Beware of ageing and deteriorating asbestos

As the summer season approaches, and home renovation projects kick off, it is important for Australians to understand the growing dangers of ageing and deteriorating asbestos.  

Despite a complete asbestos ban more than 20 years ago, an estimated one in three homes across Australia still contain asbestos.

If your home was built before 1990, there’s a high likelihood it contains asbestos. Asbestos was used in over 3,000 building products, and it can show up inside and outside, in floors, walls, ceilings, eaves, pipes and roofs.

These asbestos-containing materials are now between 30 to 100 years old and are deteriorating, including the matrix to which the asbestos was bonded. The older they become, the more likely they are to release harmful asbestos fibres.

Of particular concern are asbestos cement roofs, as they are in the poorest condition, having been directly exposed to years of sun, wind, rain and hail. Heavy rains can wash fibres into guttering, contaminating surrounding areas. In contrast, asbestos eaves may be in better condition as they’re more protected, but they are not risk-free, especially when damaged or disturbed.

With the rise in renovations and simple additions like home security installations, homeowners could unwittingly put themselves at risk by drilling into asbestos eaves to install security cameras, CCTV systems, and sensor lights. These actions can release asbestos fibres which, when inhaled, can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Tragically, around 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases.

Our message this National Asbestos Awareness Week is for homeowners to engage asbestos professionals to test for asbestos before starting any renovation or DIY project. By knowing where asbestos is in your home, you will be able to take the right steps to protect yourself and your family from exposure and plan to safely remove it.

We urge all Australians to respect the risks, know the facts and seek expert guidance before tackling a project in a home that may contain asbestos. Further information on how to prevent asbestos exposure is available at https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/