Asbestos and fibre cement are two materials that were extensively used in Australian construction during the 20th century. While fibre cement remains a safe and modern option, asbestos was completely banned in Australia in December 2003 due to its harmful health effects, including the risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Despite the ban, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain prevalent in numerous older buildings.
Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world due to its past reliance on asbestos in construction. The Australian Mesothelioma Registry (AMR) reported 617 new cases of mesothelioma in 2023, with a median age at diagnosis of 77. In 2022, 685 people died from the disease, reflecting the serious and ongoing public health risk posed by historical asbestos use.
Knowing how to differentiate between asbestos-containing materials and fibre cement is critical to ensuring safety during renovations, demolitions, or repairs. This blog will delve into the distinctions between the two, explain why identifying asbestos is crucial, and provide valuable information for maintaining safety.
Asbestos exposure poses serious health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to life-threatening diseases, often emerging decades after exposure.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer, nearly always linked to asbestos exposure. It affects the thin tissue lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Inhaled asbestos fibres lodge in these tissues, causing inflammation and eventually leading to tumour formation. The most challenging aspect of mesothelioma is its long latency period, often 20 to 50 years, which means symptoms appear decades after initial exposure. This delayed onset makes early detection difficult, and once diagnosed, treatment options are limited.
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres. The fibres become trapped in the lung tissue, leading to scarring (fibrosis) that impairs lung function. People with asbestosis often experience severe shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Although asbestosis is not cancerous, it greatly reduces lung capacity and can lead to other serious respiratory problems.
The scarring is irreversible, and the disease progressively worsens over time, severely impacting the individual's quality of life. Asbestosis also increases the risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancer.
Lung cancer is another significant risk for those exposed to asbestos. The risk is particularly high for individuals who smoke, with studies showing that smoking combined with asbestos exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer by up to 50 times.
Like mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer often has a long latency period, with symptoms such as chronic cough, chest pain, and weight loss developing only many years after exposure. The combination of asbestos and smoking is especially dangerous, making early detection and treatment crucial for improving survival rates.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials due to its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. Comprising fine fibrous crystals, asbestos fibres were mixed into a variety of products to enhance strength and fire resistance.
Despite its practical advantages, asbestos is hazardous to human health. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release tiny fibres that can be inhaled, causing serious respiratory diseases.
Prior to widespread awareness of its health risks, asbestos was highly valued in the construction industry for its beneficial properties. It was extensively utilised in:
Asbestos materials were used extensively in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in Australia up until the late 1980s. Many older buildings now require efforts to remove asbestos in walls, ceilings, and other structural elements.
Fibre cement, on the other hand, is a modern building material made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibres, introduced as a safer alternative to asbestos-containing products.
Modern fibre cement is durable and fire-resistant, unlike asbestos, fibre cement poses no significant health risks if handled correctly and does not release hazardous fibres into the air when damaged or disturbed.
Fibre cement was developed as a safer, asbestos-free alternative, offering comparable applications to asbestos. Its versatility makes it well-suited for:
Fibre cement is resistant to weather, rot, and pests, making it a durable and low-maintenance option for various building applications.
Fibre cement sheeting is a modern, safe alternative to asbestos, made from cement and cellulose fibers, while asbestos is a hazardous material linked to serious health risks. Unlike asbestos, fibre cement does not release harmful fibers into the air, making it safer for use in construction. Understanding the key differences between fibre cement sheeting and asbestos is crucial for safe handling and renovation practices in older buildings. The following characteristics highlight these differences:
If you suspect that a material contains asbestos, it is crucial not to handle or disturb it without professional assistance. The smallest disturbance can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air, putting you at risk of exposure.
The safest way to determine whether a material contains asbestos is through professional testing. The experts can take a sample of the material and have it analysed to confirm whether it contains asbestos fibres.
At Chomp Excavation & Demolition, we ensure that every material is meticulously tested and handled with the highest standards of safety and precision. We prioritise both health and environmental responsibility throughout the entire process.
Professional asbestos testing involves multiple steps to accurately identify whether asbestos is present:
At Chomp, we also ensure that every aspect of asbestos testing and removal is conducted in full compliance with Australian health and safety laws. We make sure that all hazardous materials are disposed of responsibly, avoiding environmental contamination and ensuring that no risks are passed onto future occupants of the building.
Understanding the difference between asbestos and fibre cement is vital for the safety of anyone working with or around these materials.
If you suspect asbestos in your home or workplace, consult our team of professionals at Chomp Excavation & Demolition to have it properly identified and removed. Call us at 1300 037 882 or you can complete our online form and we will get back to you promptly.
By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of asbestos and ensure that your building materials are safe for use.
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