Asbestos was banned from use nationally on 31 December 2003. This applied to new construction only, which means it still remains in buildings constructed before then.

As a rule-of-thumb, if your house was built between 1921 and 1990, it is best to assume that asbestos is present. Asbestos was used in a wide variety of building materials ranging from wall cladding, fencing and piping to carpet underlay, pipe lagging and even household equipment such as ironing boards and toasters.

For a more extensive list, visit Safework Australia’s website. If you suspect you may have asbestos in your home you can arrange to have the material tested through the National Association of Testing Authorities or your local council can provide you with a list of licensed asbestos consultants in your area.

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