Asbestos

With Australia having one of the highest incidences of asbestos-related cancers in the world, and with confirmed cases of these cancers continuing to increase as a result of home maintenance and renovation, exposure to asbestos fibres is considered a significant threat to the health of Australians.

EVERY home built or renovated before the mid 1980s is likely to contain asbestos. If left undisturbed asbestos generally does not pose a health risk. However, when disturbed during renovations and home maintenance, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and when inhaled, can cause life-threatening diseases including lung cancer, pleural disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma, an incurable, terminal cancer.

Every home built or renovated in the years leading up to 1987, most likely contains asbestos! A conservative estimate is that 1 in 3 homes in Australia contains asbestos including brick.

If asbestos is undisturbed, it generally does not pose a health risk. 

West Wimmera Shire transfer stations at Kaniva and Edenhope will only accept asbestos from home owners within in the shire up to a maximum of 10m2 that have been handled and wrapped in accordance with the OH&S Act (2004). A fee of $20 per <10m2 of wrapped asbestos applies.

More information on handling asbestos

Asbestos in Victoria