Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?

Generally, intact and undisturbed non-friable asbestos poses a very low risk. The danger arises when the material is broken, cut, drilled, or degrades, releasing microscopic fibers into the air.

What is the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?

Non-friable (bonded) asbestos is mixed with cement or resin and cannot be easily crumbled by hand. Friable asbestos is loosely bound and can easily be crushed into powder, posing a much higher risk of fiber release.

ToolsHomeowner

Asbestos Risk Checker

Evaluate the likelihood of asbestos in your property based on age and materials.

Property Profile

Year Built / Renovated

Suspect Materials Present

Asbestos Likelihood

Moderate to High

Highly likely based on the era of construction. A full HazMat survey is strongly recommended.

Safety Warning: This is a preliminary guide only. Never attempt to identify, sample, or remove suspected asbestos yourself. Engaging a professional environmental hygienist is the only safe approach.

Identifying Hazardous Materials Before Demolition

Asbestos was widely used in Australian residential construction until the late 1980s, and was not completely banned until 2003. Its durability and fire resistance made it a popular choice for everything from eaves and wet area linings to fencing and pipe lagging.

This tool helps identify the likelihood of asbestos presence based on your home’s era and construction. However, visual inspection alone cannot confirm asbestos. Only scientific laboratory testing of samples provides certainty.

Never attempt to investigate, sample, or remove suspected asbestos yourself. Engaging a professional environmental hygienist to conduct a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) survey is the only safe and compliant approach before any demolition work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do not disturb it. Contact a qualified environmental hygienist to take samples and arrange laboratory testing. If confirmed, it must be handled and removed by a qualified professional.

Get exact answers for your property.

Calculators provide indicative estimates. Engage our pre-construction team for an engineered methodology and a formal quotation based on your exact site constraints.

Or call directly

0416 689 689