“With asbestos-related deaths projected to increase, and with so many older homes (one-in-three) containing ACMs, it’s vital that those working on homes take the warnings seriously and visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au to learn what they need to know and importantly, only use licensed asbestos professionals to identify and remove ACMs,” she said.
Clare Collins said, “Historically, men (such as tradies) were more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma than women because they were more likely to encounter ACMs in the workplace. However, these statistics are changing with increased cases of non-occupational exposure particularly among renovators including women.
The most recent Mesothelioma in Australia Report from the Australian Mesothelioma Registry (AMR) published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (26 August 2026) paints a grim picture of asbestos exposure noting that mesothelioma cases have consistently risen over the past 40 years.
Among participants in the AMR exposure assessment who were assessed as having possible or probable exposure to asbestos fibres, 51% reported exposure during major home renovations where asbestos products were present; 39% reported living in a house during renovations; 13% had resided in a fibro home built between 1947 and 1987; and 21% had lived with someone who brought dust into the home.
“Put simply, renovators, DIYers and tradies could be risking their lives and the lives of anyone who may be present including children when ACMs are disturbed or when asbestos-containing dust is taken home on clothes or tools,” she said.
“With cases of non-occupational exposure (only) recorded at 94.1% for women and 23.1% for men, and cases of both occupational and non-occupational exposure recorded at 51.5% (63.3% men and 5.6% women); improving awareness and education while providing practical information on how to manage ACMs safely can help save lives,” said Ms Collins.
Asbestos could be found in any home built before 1990, lurking under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles. It could be in ceiling space (insulation), around hot water pipes, under kitchen sinks, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, in flat and corrugated sheeting in internal and external walls, ceilings, eaves, roofs, fences, extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels. It could be anywhere!
The risks were pointedly clear in a joint study conducted by the WHO and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which estimated that exposure in the workplace was responsible for over 200,000 deaths globally each year, accounting for more than 70% of all deaths from work-related cancers. A substantial burden of asbestos-related disease also arises from non-occupational exposure.
“Preventing exposure to asbestos fibres is the only way to prevent asbestos-related diseases, and awareness and education are critical, so homeowners should respect asbestos and visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au and avoid asbestos risks by engaging licensed asbestos professionals because the cost could be far greater if they or their loved ones are exposed to asbestos fibres that can kill,” she said.
“With another Australian life lost to asbestos every two hours and eleven minutes, when it comes to asbestos, Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! Don’t dump it! And whatever you do… DON’T remove asbestos yourself,” Ms Collins said.
If planning a renovation, before taking up tools visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au because it’s not worth the risk!
