KNOW asbestos and DIY

Asbestos is the name for a range of naturally occurring minerals. As they are resistant to high temperatures, fire and make good insulators, they have been extremely popular in the building industry in Australia from the 1940s to the late 1980s. Asbestos was commonly found in building material such as insulation, cement pipes, floor tiles, roofing and textured paints.   

Australia was one of the highest users of asbestos and related products although products using asbestos were phased out during the 1980s. The importation of asbestos and use of all products containing asbestos was banned nationally at the end of 2003.   

With the popularity of DIY, it is important to be aware of the risks around exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is very fibrous and the minute fibres (they can be invisible) are easily breathed in where they can become trapped in the lungs. Removing asbestos can be difficult and dangerous and asbestos is so It is recommended that a licenced qualified asbestos removalist be employed to remove asbestos from your home.   

Cancer Council offers a free online course designed to give the DIY home renovator basic knowledge about asbestos and the risks and safe practices when working with or removing small amounts of asbestos when renovating.