Asbestos, once hailed as a “miracle material” for its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties, is now recognised as a major public health hazard. Its use was widespread across industries, especially in Australia, where asbestos was commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and mining throughout the 20th century. However, as its dangers became clear, particularly its link to severe respiratory diseases and cancers, asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003. Despite this ban and increased public awareness, many myths about asbestos still persist. These misconceptions can lead to unsafe handling or misinformed decisions about asbestos remediation. This month, we will explore some of the most common myths surrounding asbestos, provide facts to dispel them and inform you about where to go for environmental consulting in Melbourne.
Myth 1: Asbestos is no longer a problem since it was banned in Australia
Fact: Asbestos remains a significant issue, even after its ban.
Although the use, import, and sale of asbestos were banned in Australia in 2003, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still prevalent in many homes, buildings, and infrastructure that were constructed before the ban. In fact, it’s estimated that one in three homes in Australia contains asbestos in some form. Many public buildings, including schools and hospitals built before the mid-1980s, also have asbestos materials, particularly in insulation, roofing, and flooring.
Asbestos becomes a health risk when these materials are disturbed or damaged, releasing microscopic fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled, leading to severe health issues such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The ban did not eliminate asbestos from the environment—it only stopped new installations. Therefore, managing and safely removing asbestos in older structures remains a crucial issue in Australia.
Myth 2: You can easily identify asbestos by looking at it
Fact: Asbestos cannot be identified by sight alone.
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about asbestos is that you can tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. This is far from true. Asbestos fibres are microscopic, so you cannot see them with the naked eye, and asbestos-containing materials can look identical to non-asbestos materials.
Asbestos was used in thousands of products, including cement sheeting (commonly known as “fibro”), vinyl flooring, insulation, pipe lagging, and even textured paint. Professional testing by an accredited laboratory is necessary to accurately determine whether a material contains asbestos. If you suspect asbestos in your home or workplace, it is essential to consult professionals for proper testing rather than relying on visual identification.
Myth 3: Asbestos is only dangerous if it’s disturbed
Fact: While undisturbed asbestos is less hazardous, it still poses a risk.
It’s true that asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed, as this releases fibres into the air. However, even undisturbed asbestos-containing materials can deteriorate over time due to weathering, aging, or water damage, potentially releasing fibres. For instance, roofing materials made from asbestos cement can become brittle and break down, or old insulation can become damaged through years of wear and tear.
In addition, there are situations where asbestos materials may be accidentally disturbed without people realising the risks. Simple home renovations, such as drilling into walls or removing old flooring, can release asbestos fibres into the air. The safest approach is to assume that any older building material may contain asbestos and have it professionally inspected before beginning any renovations or repairs.
Myth 4: Asbestos was only used in commercial or industrial buildings, not homes
Fact: Asbestos was widely used in residential buildings in Australia.
One of the most persistent myths is that asbestos was only used in large-scale commercial or industrial buildings. In reality, asbestos was extensively used in Australian homes, particularly in those built between the 1940s and the late 1980s. It was commonly found in fibre-cement sheeting, roofing, flooring, eaves, and pipes.
Many Australian homes, particularly those built before the mid-1980s, may still contain asbestos in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. Homeowners and DIY renovators are at risk of inadvertently disturbing asbestos-containing materials if they’re unaware of their presence. This is why it is vital for homeowners to have older properties inspected by licensed asbestos assessors before undertaking any renovation work.
Myth 6: Short-term exposure to asbestos isn’t harmful
Fact: Even short-term asbestos exposure can be dangerous.
Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, are caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, which can become lodged in the lungs and cause long-term damage. While the risk of developing these diseases increases with the level and duration of exposure, even brief exposure to asbestos can result in serious health consequences.
There have been cases where people developed mesothelioma after short-term or limited exposure to asbestos, such as during a home renovation. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and any contact with airborne asbestos fibres should be treated as a serious health risk.
Myth 7: If you find asbestos, you should remove it immediately
Fact: Asbestos removal should always be handled by professionals.
It can be a common reaction to panic and assume that asbestos needs to be removed as soon as it’s discovered. However, improperly removing, or disturbing asbestos can increase the risk of exposure. In some cases, it may be safer to leave asbestos-containing materials in place if they are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed.
If removal is necessary, it must be done by licensed asbestos removalists who have the proper equipment and training to safely handle and dispose of asbestos materials. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself is not only illegal in Australia but also extremely dangerous. Professionals will assess the situation, determine the safest course of action, and ensure that the asbestos is removed and disposed of according to strict regulations.
Do You Need Environmental Consulting in Melbourne?
If you are concerned about asbestos or are interested in what environmental consulting can do for you, get in touch with Alpha Environmental. We offer a range of services and are backed by 23 years of experience and expertise.
When you need environmental consulting in Melbourne, contact 1300 039 181 or fill in our online contact form.
