DIY renovations may expose asbestos, Cancer Council warns

ASBESTOS continues to pose serious health risks to Australians, particularly when it is disturbed during home renovations, new data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found.

Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer affecting the protective lining of internal organs — most commonly the lungs — is linked almost exclusively to asbestos exposure.

In 2024, 684 Australians were diagnosed with the disease.

While survival rates have improved slightly, the number of cases diagnosed annually has steadily increased over the past 40 years, with the disease often developing decades after exposure to asbestos fibres.

The AIHW data shows that more than 50 per cent of people diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at both home and work, while 11 per cent were exposed outside of work.

Of those with non-work-related asbestos exposure, more than half had possible or probable exposure to asbestos when undertaking major home repairs.

Melissa Treby, deputy chair of Cancer Council’s occupational and environmental cancer committee, said one in three houses in Australia still contain asbestos and urged caution when undertaking home renovations.

“Since the national ban on asbestos came into effect in 2003, we’ve seen more Australians understand the dangers of asbestos and better workplace safety controls,”she said.

“However, people still may not know where asbestos can be found, particularly around the home, and how they can protect themselves.

“The risk of developing mesothelioma increases with the duration of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres. As people begin renovations, it’s important they are aware of dangers associated with asbestos and seek professional support.”

Asbestos may be found in materials such as flat and corrugated sheeting, cement pipes, insulation, floor tiles, adhesives, roofing, textiles or textured paints in properties build before 1990.

“Day to day, this can be low risk. However, asbestos containing materials are dangerous when they are damaged, disturbed or deteriorating as they then release asbestos fibres that are inhaled,” Ms Treby said.

“You cannot tell if something contains asbestos just by looking at it.

“We want all Australians to enjoy their freshly renovated homes for many years to come. This means knowing when to DIY and when to put the tools down and call in professional support.”

She said the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency is a good place to start to find professionals who can identify and remove asbestos safely.