Asbestos
Asbestos is the generic term for a number of fibrous silicate minerals. Products made from asbestos cement - a bonded asbestos material - include fibro sheeting (flat and profiled) guttering and downpipes, as well as other pipes for water, drainage or flues, corrugated roofing sheets, roofing shingles and guttering.
Asbestos is a type of building material used in the building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s. Asbestos products were widely used because they were durable, fire resistant and had good insulation properties.
The manufacture and use of asbestos products was banned nationally from 31 December 2003 following the discovery of associated health risks. This ban applies to manufacture, supply, storage, sale, use, reuse, installation and replacement of asbestos.
Asbestos is managed and controlled in Queensland by 10 main statutes and two codes of practice. These are administered by state government agencies and local councils.
The Asbestos website created by the Queensland Government contains practical guidance for asbestos workers and removalists, trades and contractors, and homeowners and renovators.