It’s alarming how widely used asbestos was in the past, given what we now know about its dangers. Asbestos fibres can settle deep within the lungs or digestive tract, causing life-threatening illnesses such as lung cancer that cannot be cured once contracted.

What’s even more unsettling is that asbestos products are present in nearly one-third of all homes in Australia, particularly those built before 1990, from the roof to the carpet underlay, window putty, waterproof membrane, and even fences. It’s hard to identify asbestos just by looking at it, which is why it’s essential to get professional help from a licensed occupational hygienist or the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to inspect your property.

Asbestos waste, which includes contaminated building materials, tools, personal protective equipment, and cleaning rags, is also hazardous. Only licensed asbestos stripping companies should handle its removal and disposal. It’s illegal to dispose of asbestos waste in household bins, recycle, reuse, or illegally dump it, or store, sell, or give it away. All asbestos is hazardous, and it must be taken to a facility authorised to receive hazardous asbestos waste.