About loose-fill asbestos insulation
Loose-fill asbestos insulation can be dangerous to your health. Find out more about it how to stay safe around loose-fill asbestos.
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What is loose-fill asbestos insulation?
Loose-fill asbestos (also known as friable asbestos) is raw crushed asbestos, which was installed as ceiling insulation in an unknown number of pre-1980s NSW homes.
Over time hazardous airborne material can move from the ceiling into other areas such as wall cavities, under floor spaces, cupboards, heating/cooling ducts and vents, living areas and bedrooms. The fibres can also become airborne and breathed in or ingested which can cause health risks.
One company, which traded in the ACT as Mr Fluffy, was the main installer of loose-sill asbestos insulation.
Earlier experience in both NSW and the ACT has demonstrated that simply removing loose-fill asbestos from a ceiling cavity does not remove the enduring hazard.
The NSW Government, with input from a range of experts, has determined that demolition, comprehensive site remediation and disposal are the best ways to ensure the health and safety of the NSW community.
The register
The NSW Government is required under the Home Building Act 1989 to maintain a register of residential properties that are confirmed to contain loose-fill asbestos insulation. The register is known as the Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation register (LFAI register).
The public release of a property´s address will enable emergency services, tradespeople, councils and the broader community to know whether a particular property is affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation. This will assist members of the wider community to be informed about any risks associated with a specific property and to take any appropriate safety measures.
Anyone can use the register to search for a property by its street address (number, street name and suburb).
How loose-fill asbestos can affect your health
Breathing in asbestos fibres over a long period of time can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. According to NSW Health, the risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres you inhale.
How do I know if a property has loose-fill asbestos insulation?
NSW Fair Trading recommends using trained or qualified asbestos assessors to take a sample of material that could contain loose-fill asbestos insulation. Find out more information about testing your property for loose-fill asbestos insulation.
Loose-fill Asbestos Program enquires
For any enquiries regarding the loose-fill asbestos program, sample testing or the laws around loose-fill asbestos insulation contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
- Find a licensed asbestos assessor
- SafeWork NSW asbestos information
- NSW Health - Asbestos and health risks
- Asbestos safety information - Asbestos safety and eradication
- Asbestos Awareness
- NSW EPA - Information about household asbestos
- National Asbestos Exposure Register
- Tenants' Union of New South Wales
- Housing NSW - Guide to purchasing your home (PDF size: 1.17MB)
- enHealth guidance
Mental health and support services
Some homeowners and residents may experience stress and anxiety as a result of having a home with asbestos.
NSW Health recommends individuals that require counselling support discuss their circumstances with their general practitioner in the first instance, as they are in a position to recommend the most appropriate support.
Lifeline
Lifeline Australia is 24-hour counselling, information and referral service. Local call cost from a landline; free from mobiles.
Mental Health Line
A 24-hour telephone service, operating seven days a week across NSW.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue offer support and counselling. Information on depression, anxiety and related disorders, available treatments and where to get help.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline offer online and telephone counselling for children aged between 5 and 25 years of age.
Headspace
Online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12-25 years of age.
Contact NSW Fair Trading
Online: Complaints and enquiries
Phone: 13 32 20 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm)
In-person: find a service centre