About asbestos
What is asbestos | Asbestos in ACT Homes | Health Risks
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was widely used in building materials up to 1985. The most commonly found building materials that contain asbestos are asbestos cement products.
Asbestos is a versatile product, which withstands heat, erosion and decay, and has fire and water resistant properties.
The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned nationally since 31 December 2003.
Asbestos in ACT Homes
before 1982 have materials containing asbestos. Homes built between 1982 and 1984, it may have materials containing asbestos.
Homes built from 1985 onwards are unlikely to have materials containing asbestos.
To check when most homes in your suburb were generally built,
click here to see our map.
This table shows where you're likely to find materials containing asbestos, based on when your house was built.
Common locations of materials containing asbestos in ACT homes*
(Percentage (%) of properties sampled where asbestos was detected)
| Location | Pre 1965 | 1965–1979 | 1980–1984 | 1985–now* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eaves | 86% | 92% | 40% | 0% |
| Garage/shed | 80% | 70% | 15% | 0% |
| Bathroom | 54% | 75% | 50% | 0% |
| Laundry | 75% | 80% | 50% | 0% |
| Kitchen | 52% | 23% | 15% | 0% |
*Results of 2005 Asbestos Survey of over 600 ACT Homes.
*One MCA was found in a 1985 house supporting roof tiles on a gable end.
If the material is in good condition and not damaged or disturbed, living in a house that contains asbestos is just as safe as living in one that is asbestos-free. But if you're renovating, that's another story. If you're considering renovations, you should read the Renovating section of this website.
If the materials are damaged or in poor condition, you should arrange for appropriate maintenance or have them removed by a licensed asbestos removalist (look up 'Asbestos' in the Yellow Pages). Do not carry out this work yourself.
If you are considering doing major renovations such as upgrading the bathroom, you should consider replacing any materials that contain asbestos.
If you wish to obtain a professional report on materials containing asbestos in your home, make sure you engage a Licensed Asbestos Assessor (Class A). Click here for a list of Licensed Asbestos Assessors in the ACT.
To find out about Asbestos in ACT Commerical and Community Buildings click here.
Health Risks
All types of asbestos can break into fibres so small that once they get into the air, they can remain airborne and be inhaled into the lungs, making it difficult for the body to remove them. In some people, this can lead to asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos-related diseases are mainly cancers of the lungs, cancers of the chest lining (mesothelioma) and asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous condition. The lower the level of exposure to asbestos the lower the level of risk. Therefore, the aim should be to minimise exposure to asbestos in the air.
Diseases caused by asbestos may not become evident for up to 50 years, and there is no known cure. Research has shown that smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer in people who have been exposed to asbestos.
Materials containing asbestos do not pose a risk to health if they are left undisturbed and are in good condition. Asbestos is only a risk to health if asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in.
DIY renovators and tradespeople are the ones most at risk of exposure to asbestos fibres as they are more likely to frequently undertake repairs, renovations and other work such as using power tools, sawing or sanding, which can generate the release of asbestos fibres into the air.
So, watch out for asbestos and take care.
