Is Your Perth Home Safe? A Guide to Asbestos Testing

If your home was built before 1990 in suburbs like Fremantle, Subiaco, or Leederville, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos. This material was once popular in Australian homes because it was cheap, strong, and fireproof—but we now know it’s dangerous if disturbed.

Testing for asbestos isn’t about causing panic. It’s about giving you the facts to make safe choices, whether you’re renovating, buying, or just maintaining an older home.

Where Asbestos Hides in Older Perth Homes?

Asbestos was used in hundreds of building materials, especially between the 1940s and 1980s. Here’s where to look:

Roofs and walls: Fibro cement sheets (common in garages and sunrooms).
Flooring: Old vinyl tiles or their sticky backing.
Insulation: Around pipes, heaters, or in loose-fill attic insulation.
Decorative finishes: Textured ceilings (like “popcorn” ceilings).

📌 Quick Tip:
If your home was built before 1990, assume asbestos is present until proven otherwise.

“Asbestos is a tragic legacy in Australian homes, particularly in older suburbs. The danger isn’t just in workplaces anymore—it’s in our backyards, our roofs, and our renovations. Testing isn’t optional; it’s a critical step to prevent avoidable harm. Every Perth homeowner deserves to know what they’re dealing with.”
Dr. Gregory Deleuil, a public health physician and former Chair of the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia (ADSA)

When Should You Test for Asbestos?

Testing is a smart move if:

You’re renovating or demolishing: Drilling, sanding, or knocking down walls can release asbestos fibres.
You’re buying or selling an older home: Buyers have a right to know about asbestos risks.
You spot damage: Cracked walls, broken tiles, or crumbling insulation.
After a fire, flood, or storm: Damage can expose hidden asbestos.

Final Advice: Keep It Simple

If you own or are buying an older Perth home, asbestos testing is like a seatbelt—it’s there to protect you, not to scare you.
Your Next Steps:

1. 1. 1. Book a test if you’re planning renovations or worried about damage Book Here
    2. Check WorkSafe WA’s website for licenced assessors: [www.worksafe.wa.gov.au].
    3. Share the report with builders, buyers, or real estate agents.