Asbestos
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- Parent Category: Your environment
- Category: Contaminated sites
The import, manufacture and use of asbestos is now banned in Australia. However, asbestos products were used extensively in Western Australia – most commonly as flat or corrugated asbestos cement sheeting in buildings and/or fencing.
Houses built in Western Australia between mid 1980s and 1990 are likely to contain asbestos-containing products. Houses built in WA before the mid 1980s are highly likely to contain asbestos-containing products. Undisturbed, asbestos-containing products in good condition are safe. However, if cut, drilled, sanded or machined they can release asbestos fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres can cause slow-developing deadly lung diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
| Issue | Who to call for help | Contact details |
| Handling asbestos products safely |
Your local government environmental health officer Environmental Health Unit, WA Health |
Find your local council in the local government directory Phone: 9388 4999 |
| Removing, transporting and disposing of asbestos |
Your local government environmental health officer |
Find your local council in the local government directory Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
| Occupational health and safety advice | WorkSafe (WA Department of Commerce) | Phone: 1300 307 877 |
Also see:
- About asbestos – information and FAQs about asbestos at the WA Department of Health website.
- Asbestos - a guide for householders - produced by enHealth to help people safely manage the risks of asbestos materials in and around their homes.
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