Which Building Materials Contain Asbestos?
It’s estimated that up to 75% of residential and commercial buildings in Australia constructed before 1990 may contain asbestos. While that statistic is striking, it also reflects just how widely asbestos was used across the building industry for decades, often as a standard construction material.
The reality is that asbestos is not just a problem of the past. It can still be present in homes, workplaces, sheds, and infrastructure throughout Australia today. That means many property owners may unknowingly come into contact with it during renovations, repairs, or demolition work.
The health risks associated with asbestos are well documented. Serious asbestos-related illnesses are most commonly seen in people who have had prolonged exposure, particularly those who worked directly with asbestos materials or disturbed them during DIY renovations without appropriate controls. The danger comes from inhaling airborne fibres, which can be released when asbestos-containing materials are cut, broken, drilled, or damaged.
Because of these risks, asbestos removal in Australia is now a highly regulated activity. In Western Australia, for example, anyone undertaking licensed asbestos removal work must hold the appropriate WorkSafe WA certification. Strict procedures, safety protocols, and control measures are required at every stage of the process to minimise exposure risks and ensure the safety of workers, occupants, and the surrounding community.
Asbestos can be found in a wide range of building materials, including adhesives used in construction and flooring, cement products, wall and ceiling linings, roofing materials, insulation, tiles, eaves, fencing, sheds, cement pipes, fireproofing materials, gaskets, and various industrial components. In many cases, it is hidden within or behind other materials, making it difficult to identify without proper inspection and testing.
Because asbestos is not always obvious and cannot be reliably identified by appearance alone, any suspected material should be treated with caution and assessed by qualified professionals. Disturbing potentially hazardous materials without proper controls can create unnecessary risk.
If you suspect asbestos may be present at your property, it is important to seek professional advice before carrying out any work. North West Asbestos & Demolition Solutions can assist with guidance, assessment, and safe removal where required.