Be aware of asbestos
Published on 06 November 2023
November is National Asbestos Awareness Month. This highlights the dangers of asbestos-containing materials and aims to prevent asbestos-related diseases through awareness and education.
Fibres that make up asbestos are tiny but strong. When asbestos fibres are breathed in, they may remain deep within the lungs. They can lodge in lung tissue and cause inflammation, scarring, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases, which usually take many years to develop.
Materials that can contain asbestos include:
- parts of buildings and cars
- fibre cement sheeting and piping
- vinyl floor tiles
- electrical parts
- brake pads in vehicles and more.
You can use the Victorian Government’s Asbestos in Victoria website to learn more about identifying and managing asbestos safely. The site includes an interactive tool to guide you through possible locations for asbestos and provides practical guidance on how to safely manage or remove it.
If you suspect asbestos, do not touch it. It is a risk to your health, your family’s health and the health of your community.
More information
Visit the Environment Protection Authority Victoria website for more information and advice.