Asbestos was once widely used in construction materials across Australia due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure became widely recognized. Despite this, asbestos remains a significant concern in many homes, particularly those built before 1990. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may still be present in older buildings, including homes undergoing renovations in Melbourne.
Even though asbestos use was banned in Australia decades ago, homes and buildings that were constructed before the ban still contain these hazardous materials. Renovations, particularly strip outs, can disturb asbestos materials and release dangerous fibres into the air, putting the health of homeowners, contractors, and anyone working in or around the property at risk.
In this article, we will explore why asbestos is still a threat in Melbourne renovations in 2025, the risks associated with asbestos exposure, and why professional asbestos monitoring and removal are essential during renovation projects.
The Ongoing Presence of Asbestos in Older Melbourne Homes
In 2025, many Melbourne homes built before the 1990s still contain asbestos. This is particularly true in properties constructed between the 1940s and 1980s, when asbestos was commonly used in building materials. Even though asbestos use in building materials was officially banned in 2003, the legacy of asbestos-containing materials continues to affect millions of homes.
Common asbestos-containing materials in older homes include:
- Fibro (fibrous cement) sheeting used in walls, ceilings, and roof cladding
- Textured ceiling coatings (popcorn ceilings) used for aesthetic and soundproofing purposes
- Vinyl floor tiles and linoleum used as flooring materials
- Pipe insulation and duct insulation used to prevent heat loss
- Roofing materials, including asbestos-cement sheets
Because asbestos was used in such a wide range of products, it is still likely to be found in many homes across Melbourne, especially those in suburban areas with older housing stock.
Why Asbestos Remains a Health Risk in 2025
Asbestos itself is not harmful when it is in its intact, undisturbed form. However, when materials containing asbestos are disturbed—such as during renovations, demolition, or strip outs—they release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres are easily inhaled and can become lodged in the lungs, leading to long-term health complications.
Asbestos exposure is linked to a number of serious health conditions, including:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, leading to scarring of the lung tissue, reduced lung function, and difficulty breathing.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly for individuals who smoke. The combined effect of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly elevates the likelihood of developing this type of cancer.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and is known for its poor prognosis.
- Other Cancers: Asbestos exposure has also been linked to cancers of the larynx, ovaries, and gastrointestinal tract.
The risk of these diseases is particularly high for individuals who work directly with asbestos or those who experience prolonged exposure. However, even individuals with minimal exposure can develop asbestos-related diseases, as the effects can take decades to manifest.
How Asbestos Can Be Disturbed During Renovations
Renovations, particularly those that involve strip outs or demolition, are the most common ways that asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. Activities such as drilling, cutting, sanding, and removing materials can release asbestos fibres into the air, putting anyone in the area at risk.
Common renovation activities that may disturb asbestos materials include:
- Removing old insulation: Asbestos was often used as insulation around pipes, ducts, and heating systems. If these materials are disturbed during a renovation, fibres can be released into the air.
- Demolishing walls or ceilings: Fibro sheeting, which often contains asbestos, was commonly used for internal walls, ceilings, and external cladding. When these materials are broken or removed, asbestos fibres are likely to be released.
- Sanding or scraping surfaces: Asbestos was commonly used in floor tiles, wall coatings, and textured ceilings. Sanding or scraping these surfaces during renovation work can release harmful fibres.
- Removing roofing materials: Asbestos cement roofing sheets were commonly used in older homes. While intact roofing materials generally do not pose a risk, disturbing them during renovation or repair work can cause the release of asbestos fibres.
The potential for asbestos exposure during renovations is high, particularly when materials are being removed or disturbed. Therefore, it is essential to take the necessary precautions and ensure that asbestos-containing materials are properly handled by professionals.
The Importance of Professional Asbestos Monitoring and Removal
Given the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it is crucial to have any suspected asbestos-containing materials properly tested and removed by licensed professionals. In Melbourne, asbestos removal is strictly regulated by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws, and only certified asbestos removalists are legally permitted to handle and dispose of asbestos-containing materials.
The process of safely removing asbestos from a property involves several steps, including:
- Assessment and testing: A licensed asbestos assessor will conduct a thorough inspection of the property to identify potential asbestos-containing materials and take samples for testing. Laboratory testing is required to confirm the presence of asbestos.
- Asbestos removal: If asbestos is confirmed, a licensed asbestos removalist will carefully remove the materials using specialised equipment and procedures to prevent contamination. The removal process may involve the use of air-tight containment areas and wetting methods to prevent asbestos fibres from becoming airborne.
- Disposal: Once the asbestos materials have been safely removed, they must be disposed of at a licensed disposal facility that is authorised to handle hazardous waste.
- Air quality testing: After the removal process, air quality testing is conducted to ensure that no asbestos fibres remain in the environment.
Professional asbestos removal not only ensures compliance with legal regulations but also provides peace of mind, knowing that the work has been completed safely and correctly.
Asbestos Continues To Be a Significant Health Risk In Melbourne
Asbestos continues to be a significant health risk in Melbourne, particularly for homeowners planning renovation projects in older properties. Despite the ban on asbestos use in construction, homes built before 1990 may still contain asbestos, and any renovation work that disturbs these materials can release dangerous fibres into the air. The health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, are severe and long-lasting.
To mitigate the risks associated with asbestos, it is essential to conduct asbestos testing before beginning any renovation work. Professional asbestos removalists are equipped to safely identify, remove, and dispose of asbestos-containing materials, ensuring the health and safety of all individuals involved in the renovation process.
If you are renovating a Melbourne property that may contain asbestos, be sure to seek professional assistance for testing, monitoring and removal. Proper handling of asbestos is essential for a safe and successful renovation.
For further information on how asbestos is removed during strip-outs in Melbourne, read our Step-by-Step Guide to Asbestos Removal During a Melbourne Strip Out.
