How do I identify asbestos? It’s a question that has been asked by homeowners and professional builders in Australia for more than half a century.
Unfortunately, it’s a difficult question to answer. Identifying asbestos fibres isn’t always simple. Asbestos fibres are very small, thin, and difficult to distinguish. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the Australian construction industry in the second half of the 20th century due to its affordability and beneficial properties.
Properties of Asbestos
Asbestos fibres offer several construction benefits, including:
- Extreme heat resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Exceptional insulation properties
- Fire resistance
- Added strength when mixed with other materials
- Resistance to harsh weather conditions
- Durability and malleability
Before its harmful effects were known, asbestos was used globally in construction and manufacturing. Due to its extensive use, the complete removal of legacy asbestos is expected to take decades.
What Is Asbestos?
To identify asbestos, it’s essential to understand its composition. The term asbestos refers to six unique minerals divided into two groups:
Serpentine Asbestos (Curly Fibres)
Chrysotile (White Asbestos) – The most common type, used in cement sheeting, brake pads, and roofing sheets.
Amphibole Asbestos (Needle-Shaped Fibres)
Amosite (Brown Asbestos) – Known for its strength and high-temperature resistance, it is used in cement sheeting and insulation.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos) – Extremely thin and brittle, used in ceiling tiles, fireproofing, and insulation.
Tremolite – Often found as a contaminant in paints, sealants, and insulation products.
Actinolite – Used in insulation and fireproofing materials.
Anthophyllite – Found in composite flooring, talcum powder, and vermiculite products.
History of Asbestos in Australia
Asbestos was widely used in over 3,000 products across Australia. It was heavily mined in Western Australia and New South Wales and commonly used in workplaces from the 1930s to the 1980s.
Regulatory Changes:
1980s: Asbestos cement materials were gradually replaced with safer alternatives.
2003: A nationwide asbestos ban restricted all use, importation, sale, and transportation of asbestos-containing materials.Present Day: Strict asbestos laws regulate asbestos removal and disposal, ensuring safe handling only by licensed professionals.
Types of Asbestos Materials in Homes
In Australia alone, asbestos cement materials were first manufactured in the 1920s and were commonly used to construct houses and buildings from the 1940s to the 1980s.
You’re probably wondering how to know if your home has asbestos. Many houses built before 1990, therefore, are likely to contain asbestos cement materials and asbestos-containing products. If your house was built before 1990, take the time to consider these materials that might have been used to construct your house.
Bonded asbestos products
The majority of asbestos-containing materials used in houses were bonded asbestos-containing products, meaning the asbestos was mixed with another component to construct materials. Bonded household products include:
- Roofing materials
- Wall cladding, interior and exterior
- Eaves
- Shingles and siding
- Fencing
- Water and flue pipes
- Thermal boards around fireplaces
Friable asbestos products
It also wasn’t uncommon for friable asbestos (loose asbestos) products to be used in the construction of a house before the mid-1980s. Friable asbestos-containing products include:
- Loose-fill roof space insulation
- Spray-on insulation or soundproofing
- Asbestos rope door gaskets in wood stoves
- Brick and plaster sealants, fillers, adhesives
- Carpet underlay
- Backing material for floor tiles or vinyl floor sheeting
- Low-density asbestos fibreboard
- Insulation
- Textured paints, decorative ceiling coatings
- Asbestos cement materials that have been badly weathered or damaged
How to Recognise Asbestos
Identifying asbestos by sight is difficult without training. If you suspect asbestos in your home, follow these steps:
- Check manufacturer labels: If a product was made between 1940 and 1990, it may contain asbestos.
- Look for surface patterns: Some older asbestos materials have dimples or craters.
- Check for markers: Labels may indicate AC (contains asbestos) or NT (non-asbestos material).
- Avoid disturbing materials: If asbestos is friable, airborne fibres can pose a health risk.
If in doubt, do not touch or attempt to remove asbestos. Seek professional analysis.
How to Test for Asbestos
Since only testing can confirm the presence of asbestos, it’s not uncommon for people to ask how to identify asbestos in the home. There are plenty of answers on Google; however, asbestos identification can be concisely and simply completed with an asbestos test. Asbestos-containing materials can be identified by having them tested by a specialist laboratory.
Who can test for asbestos?
Only experienced professionals are able to take an asbestos sample, such as:
- Licensed asbestos removalists
- Occupational Hygienists
- An accredited laboratory
Steps to Test for Asbestos
The safest way to confirm asbestos presence is through laboratory testing. Only licensed professionals should handle samples commonly found in Australia.
- Hire a qualified asbestos consultant to conduct an inspection. Most asbestos removal specialists will have the equipment and training to undertake asbestos tests safely
- Samples are safely collected and tested in a NATA-accredited lab.
- Results confirm whether asbestos is present and what steps to take next.
Wondering how to test a ceiling for asbestos? If you’re not sure how to approach taking a sample yourself, follow these guidelines for the best safety precautions you can take to avoid asbestos exposure. Once you’ve taken the asbestos sample from your ceiling, it’s best to have it tested by an accredited NATA laboratory.
How to Identify Asbestos Sheeting
Cement-based products often contained asbestos to enhance their overall strength and durability. This made them widely used for construction materials, particularly asbestos sheeting for roofs. They were traditionally used in a number of applications, including houses, sheds, commercial and industrial buildings.
Over time, asbestos simply may have been replaced with asbestos-free alternatives, but if they are particularly old and look weathered, they are likely to contain asbestos cement materials. Asbestos sheeting identification can be presumed by getting an idea of how long ago the sheeting was installed (before or after the 1990s) and whether it was ever replaced. Having the asbestos tested will provide a comprehensive result on whether the sheeting contains asbestos.
What Does Asbestos Paint Look Like?
From the 1930s until the 1980s, asbestos was a common ingredient in many house and vehicle paints. It was used as a filler that gave the paint extra body while also allowing the paint to flow well and stay stable in both hot and cold temperatures. The nature of asbestos meant that it was dangerous while the paint was wet, and the fibres could become airborne. Once the asbestos paint was applied and dried, it was relatively bound and did not pose a risk.
Because asbestos was an addition to the paint mix, it is not easy to recognise asbestos paint by looking at it. However, asbestos paint only poses a risk when the paint is wet, or when the paint becomes damaged and crumbly. Paints that contained asbestos should be clearly labelled by the manufacturer on the paint tin that was used. If you’re worried about asbestos paint in your home and do not have access to the manufacturer’s label, arrange for an asbestos specialist to take a sample and have it tested for you.
How to Tell the Difference Between Asbestos and Fibre Cement
Fibre cement sheeting (also known as fibro cladding) has been a popular building material since the 1950s, commonly used in both residential and commercial properties.
During that time, asbestos was often added to fibro cladding to increase durability. However, not all fibro contains asbestos. Modern versions are completely asbestos-free, made with wood pulp cellulose fibres instead.
Manufacturers largely phased out asbestos use in fibro products in the 1980s. To help determine whether your fibro sheeting may contain asbestos, refer to this timeline from the Department of Health and Ageing, which outlines when asbestos fibres were discontinued in various products:
- Hardiplank 1981
- Villaboard 1981
- Hardiflex 1981
- Versilux 1982
- Drain Pipe 1984
- Harditherm 1984
- Highline 1985
- Super Six 1985
- Shadowline 1985
- Coverline 1985
- Roofing accessories 1985
- Pressure Pipe 1987
What Does Asbestos Wall Insulation Look Like?
Asbestos was once widely used for insulation due to its excellent heat-resistant properties. If you’re trying to determine whether your insulation contains asbestos, here’s what to look for:
1. Loose Asbestos Insulation
- Appears fluffy, similar to candy floss
- Typically blue-grey or white in colour
- Extremely hazardous – fibres are exposed and easily inhaled
2. Vermiculite Asbestos Insulation
- Made from a natural mineral that expands when heated
- Lightweight, with a pebble-like texture
- Usually grey-brown or silvery-gold in colour
If your insulation matches these descriptions, do not touch, move, or disturb it. Asbestos fibres become airborne when handled, posing serious health risks. Instead, contact a licensed asbestos removal specialist who can safely inspect and remove the material.
Suspect Asbestos? Stay Safe and Get Expert Help
Identifying asbestos isn’t always straightforward, and handling it incorrectly can be dangerous. If you suspect asbestos in your home or workplace, don’t take risks – seek professional help.
Protect your health and safety – reach out to an asbestos specialist today.
