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The two types of materials containing asbestos

Example of corrugated asbestos cement (a bonded material containing asbestos) - (Image courtesy of Dept of Human Services, Victoria)

There are two types of materials used in housing construction that contain asbestos.

1. Bonded (tightly bound) asbestos

Bonded materials containing asbestos are the most common in domestic houses. They are mainly made up of a bonding compound (such as cement), with up to 15% asbestos. Bonded materials containing asbestos are solid, quite rigid and the asbestos fibres are tightly bound in the material. They are commonly called ‘fibro’, ‘asbestos cement’ and ‘AC sheeting’.

2. Loosely bound (friable) asbestos

Loosely bound materials containing asbestos are not commonly found in domestic houses. They were primarily used in commercial and industrial settings for fire proofing, sound proofing and insulation, but can be found in some old domestic heaters, stoves, hot water systems and associated pipe lagging and in the backing of vinyl and linoleum floor coverings.

These materials can be made of up to 100% asbestos. They are quite loose and can be turned to dust with very light pressure, such as crushing with your hand. Loosely bound materials containing asbestos are very dangerous as the asbestos fibres can get into the air very easily. They must only be handled and removed by an asbestos removalist with an ‘A’ Class certificate.

Last Updated: 24 May 2007
Last Reviewed: 24 May 2007