A Home Renovator's Guide to Asbestos. 

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in the Earth’s surface and its fibres have excellent durability, fire resistance and insulating properties (Queensland Health, 2002). The most common types of asbestos used in Australia are chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos) with the latter posing the more serious health risk (Queensland Health, 2002). Asbestos fibres are very small and can be easily breathed into the lungs. Respirable fibres longer than 5µm are considered responsible for the adverse health effects of asbestos (Queensland Health, 2002). The possible health effects of asbestos are asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and benign pleural diseases (Queensland Health, 2007). The onset of asbestos-related diseases can take up to 50 years to develop and there are no known cures (Queensland Health, 2007).
 
How do I remove it and who do I contact?
All bonded asbestos removal over 10m2 is to be conducted by a person holding an asbestos removal certificate. Please visit the Queensland Health website to download the Home Renovator’s Guide to Asbestos. If you are concerned about asbestos at your workplace, please contact Workplace Health and Safety on 1300 744 636 or visit their website.
 
How do I dispose of it?
Please contact Central Highlands Regional Council on (07) 4982 8333 if you plan on disposing of asbestos at the landfill. Council will give you directions on safety requirements for disposal (i.e. double/triple wrapped, watered down, etc) and fees involved.
 

Click here for more information.