For Consumers > Asbestos

Do I have materials containing asbestos in my house?

dog dreaming of house

It can be difficult to tell whether your home has materials containing asbestos in it just by looking.

As a general rule, if your house was built:

Before the mid 1980s, it is highly likely that it would have materials containing asbestos.
Between the mid 1980s and 1990, it is likely that it would have materials containing asbestos.
After 1990, it is highly unlikely it would have materials containing asbestos.

Example of corrugated asbestos cement sheeting ("super 6") - a bonded material containing asbestos. (Image courtesy of Dept of Human Services, Victoria)

If you are not sure that a material contains asbestos, play it safe and assume that it does. Alternatively, you can get advice from an asbestos consultant or get the material tested by a laboratory.

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