The import, manufacture and use of asbestos is now banned in Australia. However, asbestos products were used extensively in Western Australia – most commonly as flat or corrugated asbestos cement sheeting in buildings and/or fencing.
Houses built in Western Australia between mid 1980s and 1990 are likely to contain asbestos-containing products. Houses built in WA before the mid 1980s are highly likely to contain asbestos-containing products.
Undisturbed, asbestos-containing products in good condition are safe. However, if cut, drilled, sanded or machined they can release asbestos fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres can cause slow-developing deadly lung diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
| Issue | Who to call for help | Contact details |
| Handling asbestos products safely | Your local government environmental health officer Environmental Health Unit, WA Health | Find your local council on MyCouncil
Email: ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au |
| Removing, transporting and disposing of asbestos | Your local government environmental health officer Department of Water and Environmental Regulation - Controlled waste | Find your local council on MyCouncil
|
| Occupational health and safety advice | WorkSafe (WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) | Phone: 1300 307 877 |
More information
- About asbestos – information and FAQs about asbestos at the WA Department of Health website.
- Asbestos - a guide for householders – produced by WA Department of Health to help people safely manage the risks of asbestos materials in and around their homes.
- Asbestos contaminated soils – information from WorkSafe about management of asbestos in soil.
