A Bit About Asbestos

Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals which share similar structural properties. They are made of extremely long, fine glass-like fibres which have a tendency to break up lengthwise into finer and finer strands – too small to see without a high powered optical microscope.

These fibres are highly carcinogenic and can have devastating health effects for workers and home-owners. Effects that are often not felt until 30-40 years after initial exposure. This is why asbestos products are referred to as the ‘invisible killer’. For more information refer to our articles on asbestos exposure and identifying asbestos.

It is well known that asbestos was widely employed throughout the construction and industrial industries for the larger part of the last century. However, it is not so well known that these products are still widespread. In Australia and New Zealand asbestos has been used in over 3000 products and, despite a total ban on the use and manufacture of Asbestos products in 2003, is still present in approximately one third of Australian homes.