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Asbestos in Australian homes

If your home was built before 1990, there is a good chance it contains asbestos somewhere. Here is where to look and when testing is essential.

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Short answer

Asbestos is most likely in Australian homes built or renovated before 1990, and it was banned nationally from 31 December 2003. Common locations include fibro walls and eaves, wet-area linings, vinyl floor backing, roofing, fencing, pipe lagging and textured coatings. It is safest left undisturbed; test before drilling, cutting, sanding or demolishing.

Highest risk
Built before 1990
National ban
31 December 2003
Identify by eye?
No, lab test only
Biggest risk
Disturbing it

Where asbestos is found

AreaCommon materials
Walls and ceilingsFibro sheeting, textured and sprayed coatings
Eaves and claddingFlat and corrugated fibro, weatherboard-look panels
Bathrooms, laundries, kitchensWet-area linings, splashbacks, vinyl backing and adhesives
RoofCorrugated asbestos cement roofing, gutters, downpipes
ServicesPipe lagging, flues, switchboard backing
OutsideFencing, sheds, garages, buried waste and fill

Timeline

PeriodRisk
Before 1990High likelihood in many building materials
1990 to 2003Possible in some products until the ban
After 31 Dec 2003Banned nationally, though illegal imports have occasionally been found

Before you renovate

Test anything you will drill, cut, sand or remove. Small amounts of bonded asbestos may be removable by a homeowner in some states with strict precautions; anything friable or over 10 m² needs a licensed removalist. Book asbestos testing or a pre-demolition report.

Last reviewed October 2026 by the EnviroForce team

Common questions

Straight answers to the questions people ask us, and ask AI assistants, most often.

Does my house have asbestos?

If it was built or renovated before 1990, it may. Asbestos was used in fibro sheeting, eaves, wet-area linings, vinyl floor backing, roofing, pipe lagging and textured coatings until the national ban on 31 December 2003. You can't confirm it by eye. A sample analysed by a NATA accredited laboratory is the only reliable test. Asbestos in Australian homes.

Is fibro always asbestos?

Fibro made before the mid-1980s very commonly contains asbestos. Later fibre cement products generally do not. Only a laboratory test can confirm it.

Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?

Bonded asbestos in good condition and left alone is low risk. Keep it painted and undamaged, and test before any work that could disturb it.

Can I drill into asbestos?

No. Drilling releases fibres. Test first, and if asbestos is present, use a licensed professional.

Related services and guides

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Asbestos testing across Australia

Sampling and laboratory confirmation of asbestos for homes, renovations and workplaces.

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Asbestos inspections, 24 hours a day

Inspections with photo reports typically within 24 hours, available 24/7.

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Mulch testing for asbestos

Sampling garden mulch and landscaping material for asbestos fragments.

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Pre-demolition hazardous materials reports

Hazardous materials surveys before demolition or major refurbishment.

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Book NATA accredited sampling.

Book online or call 1300 373 785. Technicians in every state and territory, with urgent bookings taken 24/7.

Book onlineCall 1300 373 785