Asbestos: Everything You Need to Know About This Hazardous Material
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries due to its flexibility, tensile strength, insulation from heat and electricity, chemical inertness and affordability. However, it became infamous in the 20th century as it was linked to severe health risks, particularly cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer. This guide will explain what asbestos is, where it’s commonly found, its associated health risks and what you can do to stay safe.
Types of Asbestos
There are six recognised forms of asbestos fibres, which are split into two distinct mineral groups.
- Serpentine Group
- Chrysotile (white asbestos) – fibrous serpentine
- Amphibole Group
- Amosite (brown asbestos) – fibrous grunerite
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos) – fibrous riebeckite
- Fibrous anthophyllite
- Fibrous tremolite
- Fibrous actinolite
Of the asbestos types, chrysotile is the most abundant, and therefore is the type most commonly mined and present within manufactured products. Only chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite have been mined commercially, and as a result are identified as the three main types of asbestos. They are commonly referred to as being white, brown or blue asbestos respectively, due to the colour they display in their pure form.
Amphibole fibres are characterised by having straight, needle-like fibres. They are chain silicates and display hydrophobic properties.
In contrast, serpentine fibres (chrysotile) are characterised by having curly or wavy fibres. They are sheet silicates and display hydrophilic properties.
Amphibole fibres
Serpentine fibres
History of Asbestos Use
The industrial boom of the 19th and 20th centuries saw asbestos becoming widely used in construction, insulation and manufacturing. By the mid-1900s, however, studies began linking asbestos exposure to serious health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Australia, among other countries, heavily relied on asbestos for building materials. Despite its phased-out use in the 1980s, homes built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos in areas like eaves, wall linings, floor coverings and insulation.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
The same properties of asbestos, which have led to widespread use in industry, present a potentially deadly occupational hazard as, once inhaled, the fibres are particularly resistant to the internal defence mechanisms of the body.
Asbestos fibres, when disturbed, split into increasingly finer fibres which are readily released into the air, often remaining airborne for long periods of time. When inhaled, the fibres can be carried into different sections of the respiratory tract, depending on the fibre size.
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibres can cause serious, often fatal diseases if inhaled. The most common asbestos related diseases include:
- Mesothelioma – a rare but aggressive and incurable cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdominal cavity, primarily caused by asbestos exposure.
- Asbestosis – a chronic lung condition as a result of scarring of the lungs from prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres.
- Lung cancer – asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop, which makes early detection difficult. Shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, and unexpected weight loss are some of the common symptoms.
Where Is Asbestos Found?
Even though asbestos is banned in many countries, it can still be found in many older buildings, homes and various materials, including:
- Cement sheeting
- Roofing and siding materials
- Vinyl flooring including vinyl tiles and vinyl sheet
- Pipe and boiler insulation
- Electrical components including switchboards, fuses, wiring etc.
- Friction materials including brake pads and clutch plates
- Bituminous materials including damp proof course, waterproof membrane etc.
- Fireproofing material
Asbestos Regulation and Bans
Due to its hazardous nature, many countries, including Australia, have placed strict regulations on the use, handling and disposal of asbestos. The EPA and WHO have worked extensively to phase out asbestos use globally, with bans in over 50 countries.
In Australia, all asbestos products were banned by 2003.
While its use is limited, legacy asbestos in older buildings continues to pose health risks, especially during renovations or demolitions.
How to Stay Safe: Identifying and Handling Asbestos
The only way to definitively identify asbestos is by testing the material through a NATA accredited laboratory. If you suspect your home may contain asbestos, it’s crucial to engage professionals to confirm the presence of asbestos and to ensure safe removal. Handling or removing asbestos yourself, needs to be managed with caution as disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release fibres into the air.
- Asbestos Survey: If your property was built before 1990, it’s likely that asbestos-containing materials are present. The purpose of an asbestos survey is to ensure that all reasonably accessible asbestos materials in the workplace or home are identified.
- Testing and Inspection: Only a NATA accredited laboratory can confirm the presence of asbestos. Samples must be collected carefully and professionally.
Asbestos Removal: Why You Need a Professional
If asbestos is found in your home, removal is sometimes necessary, particularly if the material is friable (easily crumbled). A licensed asbestos removalist can ensure the safe handling and disposal of asbestos to avoid contamination. Fines and legal penalties may apply if asbestos waste is not disposed of correctly.
Prevention and Awareness
Asbestos is a hidden danger that requires serious attention. With proper awareness, testing and professional help, you can minimise the risks it poses to your health. Always prioritise safety and seek professionals to remove or disturb asbestos-containing materials.
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