National Asbestos Awareness Week (24–30 November 2025) reminds Australians that asbestos is still a real and deadly risk, especially for builders, tradies, renovators, and homeowners. Even though asbestos was banned in 2003, it remains in millions of homes and buildings built before 1990, making awareness essential for anyone working in construction.
Why Asbestos Is Still a Major Hazard
Asbestos often hides in older building materials such as wall sheeting, roofing, flooring, insulation boards, and wet-area linings. When disturbed, it can release microscopic fibres that cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma diseases that can take years to appear but are often fatal.
Because it’s not always visible, the safest approach is simple:
If the building is pre-1990, assume asbestos may be present.
Common Places Asbestos Is Found
- Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries
- Cement sheeting and wall cladding
- Roofing materials, gutters, and downpipes
- Vinyl flooring and underlays
- Old sheds, garages, and fences
These materials can look harmless. The danger comes when they’re cut, drilled, broken, or damaged.
What Builders, Renovators & Homeowners Should Do
- Check for asbestos registers in workplaces and commercial buildings.
- Avoid disturbing suspect materials no cutting, drilling, or sanding.
- Use licensed professionals for removal or assessment.
- Have a safe management plan if asbestos is identified.
These steps protect not only your health, but also your team, clients, and the wider community.
Building a Safer Future
National Asbestos Awareness Week is a reminder that safety goes beyond visible hazards. Understanding hidden risks like asbestos is part of responsible construction practice and essential for anyone entering or currently working in the industry.
By staying informed and following safe procedures, we help prevent exposure and protect the next generation of construction professionals.
