Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre and has been used in a wide number of products due to its ability to absorb heat and sound, making it an excellent material for insulation. Unfortunately the various forms of asbestos have variable risk associations with a range of adverse health effects.
Until the early 1980's, asbestos was commonly used in things such as:
- fibro cement sheeting (flat and corrugated)
- drainage and flue pipes
- roofing, guttering and flexible building boards (eg Villaboard, Hardiflex, etc)
Similar cement sheeting products are used today, but are 'asbestos free'.
For further information regarding asbestos and health risk, please read the following documents: