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What Are The Risks | Safety Procedures | Disposal | Be Aware | Coating Asbestos | About Asbestos | Contact Workcover
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Does your fibro contain Asbestos?

The most accurate way to find out if your fibro contains asbestos is for experienced people to inspect and test it. You can't tell by looking at it. Only fibro products made before 1987 contain asbestos. In NSW for example, the use of asbestos was discontinued in fibro sheets by 1982, in corrugated sheets by 1984 and in all other products by 1986.


What are the risks?

Asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. This does not automatically mean that your health is at risk if you find that your home or workplace is made from fibro products.

Studies shows that these products, if left undisturbed, are not a significant health risk provided the material is in reasonable condition. If the asbestos fibres remain firmly bound in a solid cement matrix, generally you do not need to remove the fibro or even coat it.

Health problems usually occur when people are unaware of the hazards of working with fibro. The important point is to always work so there's minimal release of dust or small particles from asbestos material. Use commonsense, follow safety guidelines and working with fibro products should not be a problem.