Be asbestos aware

Published on 26 November 2020

Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think.

Did you know if your home was built before the 1990s there’s a good chance it has some asbestos? It’s often found under flooring, as part of kitchen splashbacks and even in the garden.

National Asbestos Awareness Week 2020 reminds us all to be asbestos aware before starting any work around the home.

Don't risk the possible health effects of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos becomes dangerous once the fibres are disturbed, become airborne and then inhaled. This can happen if you’re sanding, drilling, cutting or sawing asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of life-threatening diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 4,000 deaths a year – three times the annual road toll.

Asbestos was used in hundreds of building materials, commonly found in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens as well as behind tiles and under flooring.

Find out where asbestos might be and how to respond.

Thinking about a summer renovation? Make sure you’re aware of where asbestos might be found so you know how to stay safe.

Just like plumbing and electrical work, asbestos removal – or jobs around the home that might uncover asbestos - are jobs best left to the experts.

This Asbestos Awareness Week we are calling on Australians to know the health risk, be aware of where asbestos might be found before starting work and call a professional for advice and help.