Asbestos cheat sheet

What it is

A naturally occurring mineral, used heavily in Australian building products from the 1920s to the 1980s for its strength, fire resistance and insulation. Banned outright at the end of 2003 — but still present in around 1 in 3 homes built before 1990.

Why it’s dangerous

When asbestos material is damaged or disturbed, it releases tiny fibres into the air. Inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and, decades later, cause serious disease such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The long delay — often 20 to 50 years — is what makes it easy to underestimate.

Friable vs bonded

• Bonded (non-friable): locked into a material like cement sheeting; stable while intact.
• Friable: loose or powdery; releases fibres easily; far more dangerous.

Weathering, fire or impact can turn bonded material friable.

Where it hides

Roofing, eaves, wall and ceiling sheeting, wet areas, vinyl floors and their backing, fences, sheds, pipe lagging, and behind meter boards. Inside and out.

The dos

• Do assume pre-1990 materials could contain asbestos until tested.
• Do get suspect material tested before you disturb it.
• Do use a licensed, insured remover for anything beyond the smallest job.
• Do keep people away from damaged material, and get a clearance certificate after removal.

The don’ts

• Don’t try to identify it by sight — only testing confirms it.
• Don’t use power tools, high-pressure water or compressed air on it.
• Don’t remove more than 10m² of bonded asbestos yourself (and never any friable) — in Queensland that’s licensed work.
• Don’t put asbestos in a normal bin or skip — it’s regulated waste for a licensed landfill.

If in doubt

Don’t disturb it. Test it, or call us on 1300 019 657 — we test, inspect and remove asbestos across South East Queensland, 7 days a week.