Asbestos FAQs.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that is highly heat-proof as well as being resistant to water, electricity and chemicals. Because of these properties, it was widely used throughout the 1900s in construction materials such as wall-linings, roofing, insulation, vinyl flooring (or ‘lino’) and fencing.

These qualities may have made asbestos the building material of choice in the post-war housing boom, but it’s also these qualities – or rather its fibrous crystalline structure – that led to its ban in Australia in 2003.

When broken down, asbestos releases tiny, microscopic particles into the air that we can neither see, taste, smell or touch and once those particles enter our lungs they can leads to dangerous and even fatal lung-related diseases.

Read more about asbestos and why it was used…

Asbestos was used for a whole range of building and construction materials throughout the 1900s until its ban in 2003.

The most common places to find asbestos in properties will be in insulation, roofs, ceiling and wall sheeting, flooring, electrical boards and some external structures such as outside toilets, animal enclosures and garages.

Learn more about what asbestos was used for here.

It’s estimated that a third of all homes in Australia contain asbestos or asbestos-containing materials. Chances are that if your house was built or renovated before 1987, that your house will most likely contain asbestos.

The only way to know for sure if your property contains asbestos is to conduct a test on the material or have a licensed asbestos removal specialist such as Asbestos Eliminator inspect the property for you.

Find out more about where you may find asbestos in your home.

It is important to treat all suspected asbestos with caution due to the health dangers associated with asbestos. Do not disturb, break up or expose any materials you suspect may contain asbestos and contact an asbestos removal specialist like Asbestos Eliminators for a free inspection and quote for removal.

Read more on what to do if you think you have found asbestos in your home.

In Australia there are strict rules around the removal of asbestos and licences may be required to remove asbestos.

Though it is not recommended to remove asbestos yourself due to the huge health risks asbestos presents, no licences are required to remove up to 10m2 of ‘non-friable’ (or asbestos fibres reinforced with a bonding compound) asbestos or asbestos-containing material according to Safe Work Australia.

For removal of ‘friable’ asbestos (or asbestos that can be crumbled or turned into a powder by hand) or non-friable asbestos over 10m2 you will require a licensed asbestos removal professional or company such as Asbestos Eliminator.

Find out more about how to get rid of asbestos.

There is currently no requirement in Australia or Queensland to remove asbestos if it is found on your property. However, if asbestos is disturbed, exposed or broken up, it can become a danger to health so it is always safest not to disturb asbestos and to seek a licensed professional such as Asbestos Eliminator to inspect your property for asbestos if you are considering any construction or renovation work.

Find out more about getting rid of asbestos.

Friable asbestos is asbestos that can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand – the most common friable asbestos you will encounter will be asbestos insulation.

Non-friable asbestos is asbestos that is ‘bonded’ with a bonding agent and cannot easily be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand.

Different rules apply to the removal and disposal of friable and non-friable asbestos.

Find out more about friable and non-friable asbestos.

Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibrous crystals, which when disturbed can break apart and become airborne, entering our lungs and potentially causing fatal asbestos-related lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Learn more about the dangers of asbestos here.

Asbestos is linked to a number of lung-related diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. This is due to its fibrous, crystalline structure, which turns into tiny, microscopic ‘fibrils’ that become airborne and easily breathed in when broken down.

Asbestos was widely used and even mined in Australia throughout the 1900s, but wasn’t until the 1970s when the Australian Government decided to take a closer look at the large number of lung-related diseases linked to asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, because it took around 20-30 years for these diseases to develop after exposure to high amounts of asbestos, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the use of asbestos was phased out in Australia.

The use of asbestos was completely banned in 2003 in Australia.

Asbestos Eliminators are fully trained, qualified and experienced in the professional removal of asbestos in both residential and commercial properties.

If you would like a free inspection and quote for the removal and disposal of asbestos in your property, please contact us for a free quote.

Asbestos Eliminators are licensed to remove both friable (Class A) and non-friable (Class B) asbestos in Queensland.

Get a free asbestos removal quote.