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Asbestos

• Home
• Asbestos
  • What is asbestos?
  • What are the possible health effects of asbestos?
  • Is it dangerous?
  • The two types of materials containing asbestos
  • Do I have material containing asbestos in my house
  • Where could I find materials containing asbestos?
  • Some common questions answered
• For Home Renovators
  • Things you need to know before every job
  • Working safely with asbestos
  • Disposing of asbestos waste
  • New Asbestos Laws
• For Local Governments
• For Workplaces and Businesses

Is it dangerous?

Current scientific and medical evidence supports the fact that simply living or working in a building that contains asbestos is not dangerous so long as the asbestos is in good condition (ie. undamaged, undisturbed).

It is when asbestos is worked with or disturbed and asbestos fibres are released that the risk of developing an asbestos related disease is increased.

While most cases of asbestos related diseases result from sustained workplace exposure, some asbestos related diseases, particularly mesothelioma, can result from brief periods of breathing in asbestos fibres.

To minimise the chance of anyone being exposed to asbestos, it is very important that DIY home renovators prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air.

Play it safe with asbestos. Before working with or removing a material that contains asbestos, consider:

• If it is in good condition (eg. undamaged), can you leave it alone?
• Do you know the alternatives to removing the material containing asbestos (eg. painting or sealing, covering with a non-asbestos product)?
• Can you comply with the laws and safe procedures for working with asbestos?
• Should you use a licensed person?

 

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© The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2008.

Queensland Government