Asbestos may feel like a thing of the past, but it remains a very real risk in Australian homes today. Around 4,000 Australians lose their lives each year to asbestos-related diseases — more than three times the national road toll — and sadly, the numbers continue to rise.
What many homeowners don’t realise is that asbestos isn’t just a tradie issue.
Asbestos is still found in 1 in 3 Australian homes
If your home was built before 1990, it may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). When left sealed and undisturbed, these materials can remain stable. The danger arises when asbestos is cut, drilled, sanded or disturbed, often during DIY projects or home renovations.
Once asbestos fibres are released into the air, they can be inhaled and cause serious long-term health issues, including mesothelioma (which has no cure), lung cancer and asbestosis.
Home renovations increase the risk
Australian data shows that over half of mesothelioma cases linked to non-occupational exposure occurred during major home renovations. In some cases, people were exposed simply by living in a home while renovation work was underway.
Asbestos exposure doesn’t just affect the person doing the work – it can also place family members, children and even neighbours at risk.
Where asbestos can be found
Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building products and may still be present in:
- Walls, ceilings and eaves
- Roofing and fencing
- Floor coverings and tiles
- Garages, sheds and outdoor structures
- Around pipes and hot water systems
It’s important to note that asbestos isn’t limited to fibro homes — brick, weatherboard and clad homes may also contain it.
What homeowners should do
If your home was built before 1990:
- Don’t assume materials are asbestos-free
- Never cut, drill, sand or remove suspected asbestos
- Arrange an inspection by a licensed asbestos assessor
- Always use licensed asbestos removalists – it’s never worth the risk
There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure, but there are clear guidelines and trusted resources available to help keep everyone safe.
Learn more & stay safe
The Asbestos Awareness Campaign offers free, easy-to-use tools to help Australians identify and manage asbestos safely. Visit asbestosawareness.com.au before starting any renovation or DIY project.
🍁 Our message this autumn: When it comes to asbestos, stopping to check could save a life.