7 Warning Signs Your Property May Contain Asbestos
Asbestos has been a consistent material in buildings in Australia since the 1990s. However, over time, the risks of asbestos in the buildings to the health of the residents have become more of a concern. Therefore, residents began to observe signs of asbestos in their property. This post will look into 7 of those warning signs.
The Concern of Asbestos in Australian Properties
To understand why asbestos is a concern in properties in Australia, let’s take a quick glance at the history of asbestos in the country. The peak use of asbestos in buildings in Australia was in the 1940s-1980s. And that is why many buildings in modern times still consist of asbestos in the country.
And over time, as the Australian people realized the harm caused by asbestos, the usage was completely banned by the government. In December 2003, Australia completely banned the usage, import, or export of asbestos. And thus, the material, nowadays, is only found in buildings from the pre-90s era.
The Types of Asbestos and Danger Levels
Speaking of asbestos, there are two types of materials available: friable asbestos and non-friable asbestos. Friable asbestos consists of asbestos-containing material (ACM), which can be easily crumbled or reduced to powder simply by hand pressure.
Meanwhile, non-friable asbestos is a lower-risk form of asbestos where the fibers are bonded strongly with a rigid material, such as vinyl or cement. This bonding keeps the fibers from being released into the air easily unless a major disturbance is caused, leading to asbestos exposure.
While friable asbestos is usually more dangerous, both types are harmful to your health, especially when disturbed, and they can be found all over Australia, especially in older buildings and infrastructure.
Common Building Materials Possibly Containing Asbestos
Here is a list of building materials that can be found all over Australia, which most likely contain asbestos:
| Material Types | Examples | Risk Levels |
| Roofing | Corrugated sheeting, eaves | High (friable) |
| Wall Sheeting | Internal walls, fibro | Medium-High |
| Insulation | Ceiling cavities, pipes | Very High |
| Flooring | Adhesives, vinyl tiles | Medium |
| Fencing | Super six fences | Medium |
Table 1: Building Materials Containing Asbestos
These are some of the most common building materials that contain asbestos, and from medium to extreme, all pose significant dangers to people’s lives.
Signs of Asbestos in Your Property to Watch Out for
So, asbestos can be commonly found in properties all over Australia. But how can you be certain that your property has asbestos-containing building materials? Here are the seven possible signs to consider:
#1. Your Property Was Built Before 1990
If your property was built before the 1990s, it is highly likely that it contains asbestos. Before its ban in 2003, asbestos was used in over 3,000 products, including construction materials. So, any buildings in Australia built or renovated before the 1990s will most likely contain asbestos.
In Australia, in buildings built between the 1920s and mid-1940s, asbestos was widely used in construction. However, it is also incredibly common in building materials in properties from the 1950s to the 80s. And therefore, an asbestos management plan would be necessary.
#2. Corrugated Cement Roofing or Fencing
Roofing systems, such as the Super Six roofing material, is a strong contender for asbestos-containing material (ACM) in Australia. The roofing material is broken down by continued exposure to the rain, leading to the possibility of asbestos release.
When further cleaned, these free fibers go airborne, leading to a great possibility of asbestos contamination. Similarly, fencing in households from the 1980s and before in Australia also consists of ACM.
These are commonly observed in older homes in Queensland and New South Wales. And you’d require asbestos testing for increased safety.
#3. Deteriorating Wall or Ceiling Sheeting
Wall and ceiling sheeting in older buildings in Australia is made from fibro. Fibro was a common building material known for durability, fire resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
When deteriorating or disturbed, the asbestos fibers in the fibro sheeting become airborne. And this can further lead to asbestos contamination, a source of exposure to carcinogens, and leading to serious diseases.
Fibro material is highly likely to contain asbestos, and its diagnosis is best performed by professional-level asbestos testing.
#4. Vinyl Flooring with Black Adhesive
In Australian buildings built before the 1990s, the black adhesive or mastic used to install vinyl flooring may contain asbestos. And these asbestos fibers are less dangerous until disturbed.
Once disturbed, by actions such as lifting or sanding, the asbestos in these materials will be exposed to the air, and inhalation can have major negative consequences on your body. If you own an older property in Australia, the vinyl flooring should be a part of your asbestos management plan, taken care of by professionals.
#5. Insulation in Roof Spaces or Around Pipes
During the 1960s and 1970s, loose-fill asbestos insulation was common in Australian properties. The main installer for such installations in Canberra and around the capital territory was a company known as Mr. Fluffy.
When considering loose-fill asbestos, often white or grey fibrous materials are found across roof spaces and around pipes, which can be extremely dangerous sources of asbestos contamination.
#6. Unlabeled Sheet Materials in Renovated Areas
In the 1980s and 90s, most renovation materials used in buildings across Australia would be extremely likely to contain asbestos. These materials are generally unlabeled, meaning that there is no label ensuring that they are ACM-free.
So, in most cases, where the renovation has used unlabeled materials, there is a chance that they may contain asbestos.
Read Also: Trusted Mortgage Broker: First Home Buyer Partner for Your Dream Home
#7. Signs of DIY Renovations in an Older Property
DIY renovations in old Australian properties, without the help of professional asbestos management, can lead to major chances of asbestos exposure. Exposed materials, debris from an unregulated renovation practice, as well as mismatched panels, can lead to airborne asbestos fibers.
And in most cases, DIY renovators, without sufficient professional knowledge, can unknowingly disturb the asbestos, leading to exposure to asbestos fibers.
Final Thoughts
From older buildings to the usage of unlabelled materials to DIY renovations, there are several signs that you need to acknowledge if you want to make sure that your property in Australia is asbestos-free. So, in the case of any doubts, always get your property checked for asbestos content.
Worried About Asbestos in Your Home?
Given the history of asbestos usage in Australian buildings, it is natural to worry about your house consisting of asbestos-containing material. So, to ensure safety, why not get your property checked professionally?
