What is asbestos and how was it used?

In the past, asbestos was used in around 3000 products manufactured worldwide, most commonly in the construction, car manufacturing and textile industries.

One of the most commonly used building products in Australia from the 1940s until the late 80s was 'fibro', a bonded product containing around 15% asbestos. Fibro was widely used as wall and ceiling sheeting in houses, workplaces and government buildings because of its strength and resistance to chemicals and heat.

In addition to fibro sheeting, asbestos was also used in roofing ('Super Six' sheeting), floor and ceiling tiles, as an insulator around pipes or sprayed in buildings, as a fire retardant in a variety of products, fabrics and materials, in gaskets and brake linings, and as a filtering material in the chemical and food industries.

Fibro is a bonded product and therefore does not present any concerns when left undisturbed. However, home renovators have been long advised to seek the assistance of experienced tradespeople when seeking to remove or repair this product.

The asbestos-based roof sheeting product - because it is exposed to the elements and will suffer weathering - has a limited life.

In May 2005, the Queensland Government announced a $120 million Asbestos Roof Replacement Program (ARRP) to replace the asbestos-based roof sheeting.

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