Asbestos mined
The use of asbestos was widespread in Australia. It was mined in in WA’s Yampire Gorge, in the early 1930s to 1943, and in Wittenoom Gorge, from 1943 to 1966. In NSW from 1940 – 1979 at Baryulgil on the north coast, and at Woods reef in the New England tablelands from 1918 – 1983, It was also imported into Australia from overseas, mainly from South Africa and Canada.
In post World War 2 Australia, almost 1 in 3 homes, numerous public buildings and pieces of equipment used in manufacturing, within the household, in cars, insulation in ships, may have contained asbestos.
Asbestos was manufactured into a variety of building products, including asbestos cement flat sheet, asbestos cement corrugated roof sheeting [also commonly used for fencing], heater and stove flues; waterproof panelling under floor tiles/linoleum and behind wall tiles in wet areas; kitchens, bathroom, laundries and toilets, asbestos containing carpet underlay, floor wall and roof tiles, floor linoleum, insulation in hot water boilers; roof insulation; lagging insulation around water and gas pipework to name a few!
Asbestos was used in building materials in Australia up until the 1980s. The manufacturing of asbestos was banned in Australia in 1983, however it is still in situ in places all over Australia and most of it is aged and expiring which means that fibres may be released without even cutting or damaging asbestos. Exposure to these fibres can be deadly.
Always contact an accredited asbestos removalist/specialist when doing renovations yourself or at a building site where you are unsure.
The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) www.asbestssafety.org.au
Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Association of Australia (AMAA) call 1800 017 758