Asbestos was commonly used as construction and fencing material until 1987. Asbestos and asbestos products are known to be the cause of some respiratory diseases. Care must be taken when handling asbestos to ensure that the health risk is minimised.
Further information on the handling, transport, removal and disposal of asbestos can be found in the Department of Health guide, Asbestos Cements Products in Your House.
Carpet Underlay & Asbestos
The ABC 7.30 Report ran a story on 24 August 2009 about potential health risks from hessian bags used to transport asbestos and subsequently recycled for use as carpet underlay. The concern being that such underlay may pose a risk to health if it is still present in the home.
The Department of Health (DOH) has been involved in the matter. For further details and advice please refer to the Department of Health website.
Please contact the Environmental Hazards Unit 9388 4999 for further information or advice on safe work practices for removing carpet underlay.
DOH provides fact sheets on Asbestos: