Silent danger lurking in thousands of Australian renovations
Experts have issued an urgent warning over a link between one type of DIY project and an incurable disease, with one third of Aussies at risk.
Home renovations may be killing Australians. Shocking research has revealed that over half of mesothelioma deaths – a brutal cancer that commonly attacks the lining of the lungs – are linked to asbestos exposure during DIY home projects.
The study found that a staggering 89 per cent of mesothelioma patients reported ‘possible or probable asbestos exposure’ in non-work settings, with 51 per cent of cases traced directly to home renovations.
And millions of Australians are at risk, with asbestos present in one in every three Aussie homes, according to the Asbestos Education Committee (AEC), as Australia was one of the highest consumers of ACMs before the national ban was imposed in late 2003.
Clare Collins, Chair of the AEC, said “while the extent of the contamination in play sand is yet unknown, renovators, homeowners and tradies must be aware that asbestos, a silent serial killer remains lurking within one in three Aussie homes and if disturbed, they could be risking their lives and the lives of loved ones including their children.”
Around 4000 Australians die from an asbestos-related disease annually, more than three times the national road toll.
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Mesothelioma is notorious for its slow, silent onset and claims about 700 Australian lives every year. Victims often experience deadly symptoms years after being exposed to microscopic asbestos fibres, making early detection almost impossible.
Renovation expert and asbestos awareness advocate Cherie Barber sounded the alarm: “Homeowners, renovators and tradies who fail to manage asbestos-containing materials safely not only risk exposing themselves to the deadly microscopic fibres, but also put family members, children and neighbours in danger,” she said.
Experts warn that even seemingly minor renovations – ripping up old ceilings, sanding walls, or demolishing bathrooms – can release invisible fibres that linger in the air for years. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, and exposure can happen without anyone even realising it.
The AEC has warned of the ongoing dangers of legacy asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that can remain in any home built before 1990.
If ACMs are disturbed during demolition, renovation or maintenance; and asbestos fibres are released and can be inhaled, those exposed can develop deadly diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a fast growing form of cancer for which there is no cure.
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Evidence also suggests asbestos exposure is also linked to ovarian and laryngeal (voice box) cancers and increased risk of breast, stomach and colon cancers, according to the AEC.
The number of cases of mesothelioma has continued to steadily increase over the past 40 years, according the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and reports from Safe Work Australia.
More than nine in 10 people who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma and completed an Australian Mesothelioma Registry (AMR) exposure assessment were assessed as having a history of possible or probable exposure to asbestos, according to a report from Safe Work Australia.
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Thirty-eight per cent of cases arose from living in a house while renovations were underway, while 13 per cent resulted from residing in a fibro home built between 1947 and 1987.
Ms Collins said Australia continues to record one of the highest incidences of mesothelioma in the world.
“Tragic cases of relatively young people being diagnosed with mesothelioma continue to be recorded because of exposure to fibres as children when their parents built homes using ACMs unaware of the risks,” she said.
Ms Collins warned that as more first-home buyers enter the property market, they must be aware of the dangers present in older homes.
“With the Australian Government’s First Home Guarantee Scheme expanding from 1 October 2025, considering property price caps, if young first homebuyers who are oblivious to asbestos risks purchase an older home requiring renovation, it’s vital they learn about asbestos risks and how to manage ACMs safely.”
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Ms Collins said asbestos was used extensively in the manufacture of more than 3000 building and decorator products that can still be found in any brick, fibro, weatherboard, clad home or apartment built before 1990.
“Asbestos can lurk under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels.
When looking to remove ACMs, Ms Collins warned that people should avoid unnecessary asbestos risks and only use licenced asbestos professionals
“The cost to homeowners, tradies and their families could be far greater if they’re exposed to the deadly fibres,” she said.
Renovation expert and asbestos awareness ambassador Cherie Barber warned of the dangers of asbestos mismanagement.
“There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, but there are tools and rules homeowners and tradies should follow to ensure ACMs are managed safely to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
November is National Asbestos Awareness Month, a campaign which aims to save lives by informing Australians about the dangers of asbestos.
Resources are available to help homeowners identify and manage asbestos safely at asbestosawareness.com.au.
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Originally published as Silent danger lurking in thousands of Australian renovations
