Asbestos in and around your home

Asbestos is the name given to a group of fibrous silicate minerals which were mined in Australia and overseas and used for a range of products including building materials. All forms of asbestos are now banned in Australia. However, if your house was built or renovated before or during the mid to late 1980s, it could contain asbestos products.

If asbestos products are in good condition and are well maintained, they do not pose a health risk. However if you are thinking of renovating or demolishing your house, you should make yourself aware of all asbestos products in your house and ensure these products are removed responsibly.

Effects of asbestos exposure

Asbestos can cause diseases including pleural plaques, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer if inhaled in sufficient quantities over a sufficient period of time.

Inhaling asbestos fibres can result in these diseases, but this does not automatically mean that your health is at risk if you find that your home contains materials made from asbestos. Studies show that these products, if undisturbed and well maintained, may not present a significant health risk if the material is in good condition.

Frequently asked questions about Asbestos

For more information SA Health have developed the Asbestos – frequently asked questions (PDF 128KB).

Asbestos – A guide for householders and the general public

The following guide was developed by the Government of Australia to communicate health risks associated with asbestos during home renovations. It provides householders information to safely manage risks associated with asbestos materials and products in and around the home.

Information in this guide includes:

• Common uses of asbestos products
• Asbestos and your health
• How to identify and deal with asbestos
• How to handle asbestos materials and products
• Removal of and disposal of asbestos materials and products

View the Asbestos – A guide for householders and the general public (PDF 3MB). 

Contact

For more information, read the following documents or contact Public Health:

Telephone: (08) 8226 7100
Email: public.health@health.sa.gov.au