Common Areas
It is estimated that one third of Australian homes still contain asbestos in some form. As it was used in over 3000 products, asbestos can also be found in many buildings and structures built or renovated before 1990.
You cannot tell if something contains asbestos just by looking at it. Scientific testing of a sample is the only way you can completely confirm this. However, you can become familiar with what materials usually contain asbestos and where asbestos is generally found. If you are unsure if something contains asbestos, you should always treat it as though it does.
There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure.
- Asbestos cement building products used to build homes and fences
- Insulation (such as in roofs and conduits)
- Walls and textured paint
- Water pipes
- Brake linings and clutches
- Adhesives
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Ceiling tiles
- Thermal insulations boards in schools
- Electrical meter boards
- Gaskets
- Popcorn ceilings
- Downpipes and gutters
- Flues such as for gas heaters
- Gables and eaves
- Cladding for walls and ceilings
- Backing for tiles and kitchen splashbacks
- Underneath carpet or vinyl flooring
- Outbuildings like garden sheds, carports, kennels or outdoor toilets
- Imitation brick cladding
- and more…