Asbestos
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Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the manufacture of building materials and other products.
- Prevent exposure to asbestos fibres by leaving asbestos products undisturbed.
- Contact Environmental Health Services at your local government (external site) if you want to report damaged asbestos, including asbestos cement fences, or illegally dumped asbestos.
Health risks of asbestos
Asbestos can cause a number of diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen) and asbestosis (stiffening of the lungs).
The risk of developing an asbestos related disease depends on the total number of fibres inhaled, the length of time of exposure and how often you are exposed. Most people who have developed asbestos related diseases have had high exposures from working with asbestos and/or asbestos products.
Some people have developed an asbestosr elated disease after renovating a home containing asbestos. In most of these cases renovations were done prior to the asbestos prohibition and few precautions were taken.
Visit the National Asbestos Exposure Register (external site) if you wish to record a past exposure to asbestos
You cannot sell any asbestos cement products.
Types of asbestos
The three main types of commercial asbestos used in WA are:
- chrysotile (white asbestos)
- amosite (brown asbestos)
- crocidolite (blue asbestos).
Asbestos cement products were commonly manufactured in WA from 1921 to 1987. If your asbestos cement products (such as fence or roofing) were installed before the mid-1980s then it is highly likely they contain asbestos and should be treated as such. If products were installed between the mid-1980s and 1990 then it may contain asbestos and may be worth testing before disturbing.
Chrysotile continued to exist in a few products, such as brake linings and industrial products, until 2003 when there was a total ban on the manufacture, use, reuse, import, transport, storage or sale of all forms of asbestos.
Acknowledgements
Environmental Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.