With the weather getting warmer and the summer holidays on the horizon, November is often seen as the perfect time for many Aussies to start planning their home renovations.
But as DIY lovers tighten their tool belt to tackle some pre-summer projects, they should be mindful of a hidden and deadly hazard that may still be lurking in their homes: asbestos.
Until its outlawing in the 1990s, asbestos was a popular construction material that filled various roles due to its fire resistance, durability, and affordability.
Our country’s historical love affair with this once-named “miracle mineral” saw it used in
More than 3,000 building products, meaning it remains in millions of buildings and homes despite the ban.
In fact, an estimated 6.2 million tonnes of asbestos materials are currently scattered across our built environment, including one in three Aussie homes hiding the deadly building material.
Why Asbestos is so dangerous
When these older homes get updated, many renovators fail to take proper precautions and end up gambling with their health as they inadvertently risk exposure to the deadly Asbestos fibres.
Once disturbed, particles become airborne and are easily inhaled, where they can lead to severe, often fatal diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and even cancers of the ovary and larynx.
Known as a stealth killer, the fibres get lodged in the lungs or other organs, often taking years or even decades to reveal their harm. It’s estimated that asbestos-related diseases kill more than 4,000 Aussies every year — more than twice the annual national road toll.
Meanwhile, mesothelioma, a highly aggressive cancer attacking the linings of internal organs, continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, with two new cases every day.
Common Asbestos hideouts
If your home was built before 1990, there’s a good chance asbestos is hiding somewhere inside.
Renovators who disturb materials in these hidden spots will release toxic asbestos fibres into the air, which could cause significant health issues for those in the home.
- Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used as insulation and n homes built before 1980, loose-fill asbestos insulation might have been used in ceilings.
- Cement sheeting: Used widely in cladding used for walls, fences, sheds, and garages.
- Roofing: Found in tiles and shingles.
- Pipes and Floor Tiles: Present in cement pipes, adhesive flooring, and even textured paint.
- Outside the home: Asbestos was often found in outdoor structures such as garden sheds, workshops, garages and event fences.
Don’t risk DIY removal
While asbestos may not pose an immediate risk if left undisturbed, it becomes dangerous when cut, sanded, drilled, or removed.
A report by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency revealed over a third of Aussie home renovators who encountered asbestos admitted to disposing of it illegally, often simply tossing it in the curbside bin.
If you suspect asbestos in your home—leave removal to the pros.
Licensed asbestos removalists are trained to safely handle, seal, and dispose of asbestos, protecting your health and the environment.
They follow strict protocols, ensuring no fibres are released during the process, which makes professional removal the safest choice for your family and future occupants.
Get informed first
Try to ascertain your asbestos risk level when starting any DIY project, and if unsure, always seek professional advice.
Check your home’s build date. If it was built before 1990, consider having a licensed asbestos assessor inspect your property.
Asbestos awareness websites provide excellent resources, including product databases, educational guides, and safety checklists to help you navigate asbestos safety.
