Asbestos in Australia
Australia was among one of the largest consumers of asbestos containing materials in the world with asbestos-containing products still found in one in three brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad homes built or renovated before 1987.
A spokesman for the Asbestos Education Committee said: “Asbestos was used in the manufacture of a broad range of products. It could be anywhere!
“Without knowing where these types of asbestos-containing products might be located or how to manage and dispose of asbestos safely, Australian’s play a risky game of ‘Renovation Roulette’.
“If they disturb asbestos-containing materials and release fibres that can be inhaled, it may cause asbestos-related diseases including malignant mesothelioma.”
There is no cure for mesothelioma, a cancer that can develop between 20-50 years after inhaling.
Asbestos can be found in carpets, linoleum, vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels.
Find out more by visiting www.asbestosawareness.com.au where people can identify the sorts of products to look for, where they might be found and how to manage and dispose of asbestos safely.