Asbestos

Asbestos cement was a commonly used building material in the 1970s and was used in materials including roofing, fencing and exterior wall cladding to name just a few. Following concerns about its safety the use of asbestos cement was phased out between 1981 and 1987 with the manufacturing of all asbestos products ceasing in 1987.

When asbestos cement is left undisturbed, risks to health are extremely low as the fibres are bound in the cement. Dangers do exist in using power tools for cutting, drilling, grinding, sanding, and sawing, the use of high pressure water guns and unnecessary breaking or crushing that produce a large number of fibres that when inhaled can cause disease including asbestosis, pleural plaque, lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Generally it is not possible to tell whether a product is asbestos simply by looking at it. Laboratory analysis with a microscope is required to identify a material as asbestos. So it is important that anything that is suspected to be asbestos is treated as such.

Given the serious health problems this material can cause it is important that it is handled properly. It is recommended that a professional be employed to remove or handle asbestos however people can handle the material themselves as long as they take the required precautions.

Visit the Western Australia Department of Health for further guidance on asbestos.

If you believe that asbestos is not being handled correctly, please complete a service request and submit it to the City of Mandurah’s Environmental Health Services.