About the problem
Australia has the highest incidence of asbestos-related cancer in the world.
Exposure to asbestos fibres in the air can cause a range of lung diseases and diseases of related tissue, including mesothelioma, a form of cancer which is usually fatal.
Due to the danger that it poses, asbestos has been banned.
However, a large amount of asbestos-containing material is still present in the community and there is a significant risk, particularly for workers carrying out asbestos removal as well as refurbishment and demolition work.
