Asbestos and Renovating
Thinking of renovating your home?
It’s important to know that many houses built before 1990 contain asbestos cement materials, especially in the eaves, ceilings, internal and external wall cladding (particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries), as well as under tiling and lino. Old sheds and fences may also contain asbestos.
These can often be in poor condition due to age or weather exposure and pose a significant risk if asbestos fibres are released, become airborne and then inhaled. Breathing these fibres can cause a range of life-threatening diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
See more about where you could find asbestos inside your home and outside your home.
If you think there may be asbestos in or around your property, you should contact an asbestos professional (asbestos assessor or licensed removalist) before starting any work on your home.
Engaging professionals who know how to manage this work safely will protect you, your family and your neighbours from this risk.
For an interactive tool to help identify asbestos in your home, visit asbestos.vic.gov.au >
Remember – if you are unsure if something contains asbestos, treat it as if it does and call a professional. It’s just not worth risking your health or the health of your loved ones.