Asbestos Statistics Australia: Exposure, Risks & Facts & Trends
Australia has the world’s highest incidence of mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos, which was widely used in products, housing and mining. Asbestos has been linked to numerous serious diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
These diseases can take decades to manifest, about 20 to 30 years after exposure. Asbestos-related disease kills some 4000 Australians each year, more than twice the national road toll.
Asbestos exposure poses considerable health risks and can still be found in countless settings today, making it essential to comprehend asbestos statistics, risk factors, and appropriate disposal methods. Understanding and following safety protocols are critical to reducing exposure and avoiding these illnesses.
All Gone Rubbish Removals safely remove asbestos waste using durable, airtight disposal bags. Asbestos removal is our specialty, and we ensure that our collection team has the proper licensing, training, and compliance with health standards. Our services are available for construction sites as well as homes.
How Common is Asbestos in Australia?
If your home was built before the 1990s, there’s an estimated 1 in 3 chance that there’s still asbestos in your home somewhere. It is estimated that 1 in 3 commercial buildings in Australia are still asbestos-contaminated.
Source: Asbestos Awareness Australia
Older homes built before the 1990s are most likely to contain asbestos. Findings state that almost every part of these homes have asbestos, such as walls, bathrooms, ceilings, floors, laundries, kitchens, roofs, fences, and garages. Around 50% of the 13 million tonnes of asbestos products installed in former decades are estimated to be on the site today.
Until the late 1980s, commercial and industrial buildings were constructed in Australia using asbestos. Over 30% of buildings erected before 1990, both residential and commercial, could contain some form of asbestos. Many still contain materials banned due to AsBESTos Safety Australia advocating for better health and safety.
Australian Asbestos Exposure Statistics
In Australia, there are around 700 to 800 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed every year, a factor that reflects considerable ongoing exposure to asbestos. More than 900 cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed in 2022, which means that Australians now face a 1 in 319 chance of being diagnosed with mesothelioma by the age of 85.
There are numerous industries at a high risk of asbestos exposure. These include:
Mine Workers: Those working in the asbestos mining and packaging industry have the most regular asbestos exposure. A study of workers at the Wittenoom asbestos mine in the 1960s found they developed mesothelioma decades later.
Construction Workers: Construction workers were also at risk because asbestos was extensively used in building materials until it was banned.
Asbestos Removal Workers: Asbestos inspection and removal workers are also at risk.
Demolition and Renovation: Demolition and renovation work, particularly with older buildings, can disrupt asbestos-containing materials (ACM), potentially releasing fibres into the air.
Health Risks and Disease Statistics
Australia's asbestos-related health burden is substantial, including cases of mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. An estimated 4,000 Australians die from asbestosis or mesothelioma each year, more than twice as many as those who perish on the roads nationwide. Symptoms of these diseases can take decades to develop after exposure.
Mesothelioma
Australia has among the highest recorded rates of mesothelioma globally. Data from the Australian Registry, the National Mortality Database and the Australian Cancer Database note that two people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every day on average, with the median age at diagnosis of 77 years old. In 2023, the AMR registered 617 mesothelioma cases.
Lung Cancer
Australian rates of mortality from asbestos-related lung cancer (ARLC) are among the highest of any country. This lung disease incidence is estimated to be six times that of mesothelioma incidence and is a major source of lung cancer morbidity and mortality.
Asbestosis
It is an irreversible condition comprised of inflammation or scarring of the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, coughing and permanent lung damage. According to the SISPRO database, 765 were hospitalised between 2010 and 2019 and 308 between 2010 and 2014 for asbestosis.
Trends: Is Asbestos Still a Problem in Australia?
Numerous trends prove that asbestos exposure remains in the country. As a result, using this fibrous mineral in homes and commercial renovations has been a more common source of exposure. Due to the thousands of home renovations completed across the country in the last decade, mesothelioma rates are expected to continue to rise as these homes are remodelled or repurchased.
However, the Australian government has plans to fight against the asbestos exposure. The Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 ensures that asbestos can be removed and disposed of safely and proactively. It focuses on regulatory frameworks and incentive programs funded by the Commonwealth, state, and territory governments.
Earlier stages of the plan focused on gathering evidence and raising awareness. The programs aimed to eliminate asbestos-related diseases in Australia and assist those affected.
Australian Laws & Regulations Around Asbestos Disposal
The issue of asbestos use isn’t just about avoiding exposure to toxic substances. Some laws regulate how we work with and dispose of asbestos. Asbestos waste cannot be thrown away in household rubbish bins. In addition, asbestos products may not be reused or recycled and should not be disposed of incorrectly.
Professional Asbestos Removal
A licensed asbestos removalist must do asbestos removal of 10 square meters or more. Any friable asbestos will require a licensed friable asbestos removalist by law. Asbestos removal work that requires a license should be notified to SafeWork NSW seven days before the asbestos is removed.
This is because the only legal disposal method is to bury it at an authorised landfill site, which is illegal if it is in your lot or property. Contact your landfill site and ask whether it is authorised to take asbestos or not, since not all sites are registered to do so.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Due to the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, improper treatment of asbestos or its disposal can currently incur fines and prison sentences in Australia.
Although state and territory approaches differ in levels of regulation and penalties, there is an increasing trend towards tougher enforcement and greater penalties for breaches in environmental law, including acts causing damage from asbestos. Tool clean-ups that approach illegal dumping of asbestos can incur on-the-spot fines and maximum penalties.
Individuals: For small-scale dumping, on-the-spot fines range from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on whether the waste is dumped in a sensitive area. Maximum fines are $50,000 for dumping in sensitive areas and $25,000 for other public or private lands. Penalties for major infractions can reach up to half a million dollars, with daily fines of $120,000 in some cases.
For small-scale dumping, on-the-spot fines vary from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on whether the waste is dumped in a sensitive place. Maximum penalties are $50,000 for dumping in sensitive areas and $25,000 for other public or private lands. At the extreme end, fines for big-time infractions can hit half a million dollars, plus daily penalties of $120,000 in some instances.
Corporations: Maximum fines are $100,000 for illegal dumping in difficult-to-manage areas and $50,000 otherwise. For more serious violations, penalties can reach $2,000,000, and daily fines can reach $240,000.
Asbestos waste: If the waste contains asbestos, maximum penalties are doubled for both individuals and corporations.
How to Dispose of Large Amounts of Asbestos Safely in Australia
If you're wondering how to dispose of large amounts of asbestos in Australia, effective disposal involves following strict regulations and guidelines that protect both the public and the environment.
Practical Steps for Safe Asbestos Removal
- Hiring Licensed Asbestos Removalists
Hiring licensed asbestos removalists is crucial to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are removed safely and legally. When disturbed, asbestos is a serious health risk. Besides, it takes professionals with the training, equipment, and knowledge to manage it safely. Licensed removalists know how to deal with the dangers of asbestos, providing their services according to Work Health and Safety (WHS) statutes.
- Securing Appropriate Permits
To ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard public health, it’s essential to obtain the necessary permits for safe asbestos removal. These requirements may differ from state to state and territory to territory, so it’s important to check with relevant local authorities.
You must notify the WHS regulator in your state or territory at least five days before starting any licensed asbestos removal work. This notification must include where the work is being done, the type and quantity of asbestos being removed, what dates the asbestos is being removed, and details of the licensed removalist.
- Proper Handling and Transportation Procedures
Transport asbestos waste in a covered, leak-proof vehicle. Some states and territories require that waste transporters report the transport of more than 100 kilograms of asbestos waste or more than 10 square meters of asbestos sheeting to their regulators.
When dealing with asbestos removal, good handling and transportation procedures will significantly reduce the exposure risk while ensuring that safety regulations are followed. These processes include key aspects, including site preparation and methods to transport the waste to approved disposal facilities safely.
Risks of DIY Asbestos Disposal
Whether the asbestos is still in its original condition or some of the decomposed parts have evaporated, DIY asbestos disposal is strongly discouraged because of the health risks and danger it poses to the environment.
When asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are disturbed, dangerous fibres are released. Removing it yourself increases the risk of breathing in mould, which can cause serious health problems. Disposing of asbestos is tightly regulated by regulation, and when not followed, heavy fines and legal consequences often occur. Buried or improperly handled, asbestos can also release fibres that leach into the environment, contaminating waterways and soil.
Why Choose Professional Asbestos Removal Services?
Professional asbestos removers are trained, certified, and knowledgeable so they can carry out their work safely. They are trained to work with asbestos-containing materials without putting their lives, homeowners', or the environment at risk. Working with experts guarantees the complete removal of the material and reduces the risk of exposure at any time during the process.
All Gone Rubbish Removals is an expert and licensed asbestos disposal company that ensures the safety, compliance, and effective disposal of asbestos. We provide same-day rubbish removal services across Sydney, the Central Coast, Gosford, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast.
Call us today at 0420 102 118 and book before 2 PM for your area's best-priced same-day rubbish removal service! Don't worry about the lifting, it's on us.
Common Mistakes Australians Make with Asbestos
Despite the risks associated with asbestos, many Australians still make one or more of the following mistakes when handling the dangerous mineral. This can release toxic fibres that are extremely harmful to health.
- DIY asbestos removal
- Failure to identify asbestos
- Asbestos can be touched during renovation
- Lack of awareness
- Proper asbestos management at work
- Managing asbestos that is damaged
- Illegal dumping
Repercussions of these mistakes or unawareness include heightened health risks, ecological pollution, and significant legal penalties.
Tips to Avoid Costly and Dangerous Mistakes
- Always use licensed asbestos removalists and assessors for all asbestos work.
- If you are planning to renovate or demolish a property, make sure you have it inspected for asbestos beforehand.
- Ensure that all workers and homeowners know the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely.
- Comply with all asbestos regulations at the local, state and federal levels.
- Ensure that asbestos waste is disposed of at licensed disposal sites.
- When working with asbestos, always use the appropriate personal protective equipment and specialty tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my property contains asbestos?
Determining if your property has asbestos requires several steps, as it is not always something that you can simply see. Here’s a guide to help you determine whether your home or building may contain asbestos:
- Know the age of your property
- Hire professional testing services
- Avoid testing it yourself to prevent disturbance
- Follow safety precautions
2. Who can legally remove asbestos in Australia?
In Australia, the legality of asbestos removal depends on the type of asbestos and the area size. Licensed asbestos removalists are required for friable asbestos removal and for non-friable asbestos removal exceeding 10 square meters, except in the ACT where a license is always required.
3. Is asbestos removal covered by insurance?
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover pollutants like asbestos. Asbestos removal coverage falls under “pollution coverage,” which is exempted by most insurers.
4. What happens if asbestos is disposed of incorrectly?
Improperly discarding asbestos can scatter harmful fibres in the air, resulting in serious health issues. When these items are not disposed of properly, asbestos fibres can be released into the air, leading to different forms of lung disease.
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