Asbestos was once celebrated for its versatility as a building material due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties. From the 1940s to the late 1980s, it was extensively used in Australian homes, schools, and workplaces, particularly during the post-war construction boom. Australia had one of the highest per capita uses of asbestos in the world, with much of it mined locally, including at the infamous Wittenoom mine in Western Australia, which operated between 1943 and 1966.
The health risks of asbestos became increasingly evident in the 1970s, leading to a phased ban. The use of friable asbestos was banned in 1989, followed by a full national ban on all forms of asbestos in December 2003. However, a "gray area" persisted in the years leading up to the final ban, as materials containing asbestos remained in circulation due to stockpiles and lack of awareness. Today, asbestos still lingers in many buildings constructed before 1990, posing significant health risks.
At Hazclear Environmental, we understand the ongoing challenges posed by asbestos and are committed to safely managing, assessing, and removing it to protect Queensland’s homes, workplaces, and communities.