Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of many small fibres. These fibres are very strong and are highly resistant to heat, fire and chemicals, AND most importantly they are HARMFUL to humans when disturbed. Asbestos containing materials were used in many common areas of past residential construction. 

 

Common areas of asbestos contamination in the past

• asbestos-cement sheet cladding, roofing and drainage pipes

• backing material for floor tiles and vinyl sheets

• insulation board for thermal protection (eg, around fireplaces)

• textured ceilings and sprayed-on wall surfaces

• lagging for insulation around pipes, heaters and hot water cylinders

• textiles

• spouting and guttering components.

If you are purchasing a property which was constructed before 1990, it may be prudent to have an asbestos testing audit carried out on the property. This asbestos testing will confirm the presence of any asbestos when analysed by an accredited laboratory.

 

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