The Asbestos Legacy of Australia

The Asbestos Legacy of Australia

Australia's history with asbestos is extensive and is characterised by its widespread industrial and commercial use, significant adverse health outcomes, and the eventual implementation of strict regulations and bans.

Below is a timeline detailing the introduction, utilisation, and eventual prohibition of asbestos in Australia.

Late 1800s – Early 1900s

• Asbestos mining and usage in Australia commenced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Its desirable properties, such as fire resistance, durability, and excellent insulating capabilities, led to widespread adoption across construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.
• Initial industries engaged in small-scale asbestos mining and processing, paving the way for significant growth in its application.

1920s – 1960s: The Asbestos Boom

• Australia became one of the world's leading consumers of asbestos per capita during this period.
• The Wittenoom Mine in Western Australia, operational from 1937, was a significant source of asbestos production, primarily extracting blue asbestos (crocidolite), one of the most hazardous types.
• Asbestos was extensively utilised in various industries, including construction (e.g., cement sheeting, insulation, roofing, pipes, and floor tiles), shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing (e.g., brake linings) and textiles.
• Although awareness of asbestos-related health hazards began to surface, these warnings were often disregarded or downplayed by industrial interests.

1960s – 1970s: Health Effects Come to Light

• Scientific research began to establish a clear connection between asbestos exposure and severe health conditions, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
• An increasing number of workers and residents in towns like Wittenoom were diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, often without prior awareness of the associated risks.
• Despite growing concerns over public and workplace safety, asbestos mining and usage persisted at significant levels.

1980s: Growing Awareness and Early Regulation

• In response to mounting evidence of the health risks, the Australian government introduced initial restrictions on the use of asbestos in building materials in the late 1980s.
• The Wittenoom Mine was officially closed in 1966, but its legacy left thousands of workers and residents affected by asbestos-related diseases.

2003: Nationwide Ban on Asbestos

• In December 2003, Australia implemented a comprehensive ban on the use, import, and sale of all forms of asbestos.
• This made Australia one of the first countries to introduce a total ban, recognising the severity of asbestos-related diseases.

2000s – Present: Managing the Legacy

• Australia has faced significant challenges in managing asbestos that remains in existing buildings, infrastructure, and soil.
• Organisations like the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) were established to oversee removal and public awareness campaigns.
• DIY home renovators are a key demographic at risk, as asbestos-containing materials are still present in many homes built before the 2000s.
• Communities like Wittenoom were officially de-gazetted (declared uninhabitable) due to lingering contamination, and efforts to clean up such areas are ongoing.