How to Identify Asbestos in Your Home or Property in Frankston and Rural Victoria 2025
Asbestos remains a serious concern for homeowners, particularly those living in areas like Frankston, Ringwood, Gippsland, and Warragul. With many older properties still containing asbestos, understanding how to identify this hazardous material can make all the difference for your safety and that of your family.
Why It’s Crucial to Identify Asbestos Early
Identifying asbestos early can prevent unintentional exposure and health risks. Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveal that asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, have a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning early detection is key to preventing long-term health consequences. Asbestos exposure continues to contribute to over 4,000 deaths in Australia every year, highlighting the importance of knowing what to look for.
Common Places to Find Asbestos in Frankston and Rural Homes
In older homes, especially those built before the late 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in various building materials. Here’s where you might find it:
- Roofing and Eaves: Many homes and farmhouses in Gippsland and Warragul still have asbestos cement sheeting used for roofing. Roughly 50% of homes from that era have roofing materials containing asbestos.
- Wall Cladding and Insulation: Asbestos was a popular choice for insulation and wall panels. Check behind old walls and insulation areas, especially in older sheds or rural buildings.
- Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and their adhesives often contained asbestos. If your home has older vinyl flooring, it may be at risk.
- Pipes and Water Systems: Asbestos was used to strengthen cement pipes and water tanks. Rural properties with original water systems from the 1970s or earlier may still contain these dangerous materials.
- Sheds and Outbuildings: In rural areas like Warragul, many farm sheds were constructed using asbestos for its durability and resistance to weather.
How to Visually Identify Asbestos
Although asbestos fibres are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye, you can often identify suspect materials by their appearance. Here are some key signs:
- Corrugated Cement Sheeting: Commonly found in roofing and sheds, this sheeting is thick, heavy, and usually a dull grey. It often becomes brittle and crumbles over time.
- Fluffy or Loose Insulation: Older loose-fill insulation, especially in attics, can contain asbestos. Note: Homes insulated with “Mr. Fluffy” asbestos, a type of loose-fill asbestos insulation, are of particular concern.
- Old Vinyl Tiles: Vinyl tiles from the 1950s to the 1980s are another red flag. These tiles are usually 9×9 inches and may appear brittle or discoloured.
- Lagging on Pipes: Pipe insulation that appears white or grey and resembles a paper-mâché wrapping may contain asbestos.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos
If you think you’ve found asbestos in your home, don’t panic—but don’t disturb it either. The safest course of action is to leave it alone and seek professional advice from you local asbestos removal company. Here’s what you should do:
- Avoid Disturbance: Never attempt to drill, cut, or break apart suspected asbestos materials. Even minor disturbances can release dangerous fibres into the air.
- Isolate the Area: If possible, limit access to the area until professionals can assess it.
- Call for Professional Inspection: Only a licensed asbestos professional, like Phase One Asbestos, can confirm the presence of asbestos and recommend a safe course of action.
Professional Asbestos Testing: How It Works
When you contact a professional like Phase One Asbestos, here’s what to expect:
- Initial Consultation: A detailed assessment of your property to identify areas that may contain asbestos.
- Sampling: Professionals take small samples from suspected materials, which are then analysed in a lab. This is done using specialised equipment to ensure no fibres are released during the process.
- Report and Recommendations: You’ll receive a full report outlining whether asbestos is present and what steps are needed for safe removal or management.
Why DIY Asbestos Testing is Not Safe
You might be tempted to handle asbestos yourself to save money, but this is highly dangerous. Disturbing asbestos without proper equipment can expose you and your family to harmful fibres. The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency warns that untrained individuals are at significant risk when attempting DIY asbestos management. Using professionals reduces exposure risk by up to 90%.
The Importance of Licensed Professionals
Hiring a licensed professional like Phase One Asbestos ensures that testing and removal are done according to strict safety regulations. Adrian Cibowski and his team use approved methods to prevent fibre release and guarantee safe disposal. They are well-versed in handling asbestos commonly found in Frankston, Ringwood, Gippsland, and surrounding areas.
The Dangers of Ignoring Asbestos
Ignoring or improperly handling asbestos can have lifelong consequences. Inhaling even small amounts of asbestos fibres can lead to deadly diseases. Remember, mesothelioma has no cure, and symptoms may not appear for decades. The Cancer Council Australia emphasises that prevention is the only way to avoid asbestos-related illnesses.
Next Steps for Homeowners
If you suspect asbestos in your home or property, here’s what you should do:
- Book a Professional Inspection: Early detection can save lives. Phase One Asbestos offers thorough inspections to give you peace of mind.
- Plan for Safe Management or Removal: If asbestos is found, Adrian and his team will create a detailed plan tailored to your property.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself and your loved ones about the risks and keep an eye out for future articles in this series.
Moving Forward Safely
Asbestos is a hidden danger, but knowledge and professional help can keep your family safe. If you have concerns about asbestos in your property, don’t wait. Contact Phase One Asbestos today to schedule a professional assessment.
Coming Up Next: Our next article will dive into “Safe Renovation Practices When Dealing with Asbestos.” We’ll guide you through precautions to take when renovating older properties to minimise risk. Stay tuned!
