Identifying Asbestos Form and Type on Your Property
Asbestos was commonly used in the construction industry from the 1940s to the late 1980s due to its fire-resistant, insulating, and strengthening properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres can cause serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos was eventually banned in Australia in 2003, but many homes still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that were installed before the ban.
Identifying Asbestos in Victorian Homes
Asbestos can be found in various forms in Victorian homes, including:
Fibro & Hardiflex sheeting: This is a flat sheet made from asbestos fibres and cement. It was commonly used for external walls, roofs, fences and can also be found under floor tiles.
Asbestos cement products: These products include corrugated cement sheets, pipes, flues, gutters, downpipes, and water tanks made from asbestos cement.
Insulation: Asbestos was used as insulation in walls, roofs, and ceilings. It was also used as insulation around pipes and ducts.
Vinyl floor tiles: Asbestos was used in vinyl floor tiles until the mid-1980s. It was added to the vinyl to make it more durable and fire-resistant. Such tiles may also be glued down by blackjack asbestos glue which is a particularly dangerous form of asbestos when deteriorated.
Textured coatings: Asbestos was added to textured coatings to create a decorative finish on walls and ceilings. These coatings are often referred to as "popcorn" or "stipple" finishes.
Understanding Asbestos Types in Victorian Homes
There are two main types of asbestos found in Victorian homes:
Chrysotile: This is also known as white asbestos and is the most commonly used type of asbestos in construction materials. It is a serpentine mineral and has curly fibers.
Amphibole: This type of asbestos includes brown, blue, and gray asbestos. It is a needle-like fiber and is more dangerous than chrysotile.
It's worth noting that it can be difficult to tell the type of asbestos by looking at it, and all types of asbestos are hazardous to health.
What to Do If You Find Asbestos in Your Victorian Home
If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, it's important to avoid disturbing it. Asbestos fibers can become airborne if the material is damaged, which can lead to inhalation and potential health risks.
If you need to have work done in your home that may involve disturbing ACMs, such as renovation or demolition, it's essential to engage with an Accolade Hazmat Solutions representative to properly dispose of such materials.