You may not be aware that if your home, shed or building was built before 1990, it could contain asbestos.

Asbestos was widely used in building materials until it was banned in Australia, and it’s still present in millions of homes today.

It can be found in walls, ceilings, eaves, vinyl flooring and fences, among other structures. 

Asbestos is safe if left undisturbed, but once cut, drilled, sanded or broken, it releases fibres that can cause serious diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

As part of the National Asbestos Awareness campaign, the Federal government reminds us all that asbestos is dangerous and should be managed appropriately. 

What you can do to protect yourself

• With the information in this article, online and through professional advice, stop and check for asbestos before you start renovating or cleaning up, even for small jobs
• Don’t cut, drill, sand or remove materials that may contain asbestos yourself
• Don’t use high-pressure water or power tools on asbestos or potential asbestos materials 
• Get professional advice and use licenced professionals for testing of potential asbestos material before starting any work
• Assume asbestos may be present if you are unsure, especially in walls, roofs, eaves, vinyl flooring, fences, electrical boards and sheds.

Never dispose of asbestos in your kerbside bin or bulky goods collection. In many cases, it’s easier, more affordable and safer to use a licensed professional for any works that may involve asbestos.

For more information about keeping safe from asbestos you can visit SafeWork NSW.