Asbestos is the generic term for a number of fibrous silicate minerals. Products made from asbestos cement - bonded asbestos material -- include fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated) as well as water, drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles and guttering.

Only fibro products made before 1987 contain asbestos. In NSW, for example, the use of asbestos was discontinued in fibro sheets by 1982, in corrugated sheets by 1984 and in all other products by 1986.

The manufacture and use of asbestos products was banned nationally from 31 December 2003.

Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and the risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is also greater if you smoke. People who get health problems from inhaling asbestos have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos can pose a significant environment and health risk. There are regulations governing its handling, removal, and disposal. For further information on managing Asbestos around your home or in general, WorkCover NSW has published a document titled "Working with Asbestos - Guide 2008", which can be downloaded free by clicking here.