Asbestos is not only found in fibro homes. Australia was among one of the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials in the world with asbestos-containing products still found in one in three brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad homes built or renovated before 1987.

Asbestos was used in the manufacture of a broad range of products. It could be anywhere. Under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels.

Without knowing where these types of asbestos-containing products might be located or how to manage and dispose of asbestos safely, Australian’s play a risky game of ‘Renovation Roulette’ if they disturb asbestos-containing materials and release fibres that can be inhaled which may cause asbestos-related diseases including malignant mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, a cancer that can develop between 20-50 years after inhaling asbestos fibres - the average survival time is just 10-12 months following diagnosis. Inhaling asbestos fibres can also cause lung cancer, asbestosis and benign pleural disease.

With the aim of stopping Australians from putting their health and the health of families at risk, now more than ever homeowners, renovators, tradies and handymen need to Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember.

By visiting asbestosawareness.com.au people can easily search for and identify the sorts of products to look for, the locations of where they might be found and learn how to manage and dispose of asbestos safely ensuring they protect themselves and families from exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres. Australia’s National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign has been internationally recognised in academic journals as a world-leading asbestos awareness and education campaign in the prevention of asbestos-related diseases.