Asbestos In Australia

Australia has a long history with asbestos. From 1937 onwards, through until the prohibition against asbestos use in 1990, Australians were major users of asbestos.

Whilst we now know that there are many serious health issues relating to asbestos fibres being inhaled, asbestos was (and still is) an amazing natural product.

Asbestos in Australia was used in over 4,000 different products. Initially, most asbestos and asbestos items were imported into Australia. Australians adapted quickly and many business flourished on the phenomenon of Wittenoon in Western Australia. Wittenoon was Australia’s only supply centre for crocidolite or “blue asbestos”. Crocidolite is now known to be the deadliest type of asbestos to man.

In the 20th century, James Hardie Industries became the dominant player with Asbestos in Australia. James Hardie Industries developed many building products using Australian asbestos. These products were widely used throughout Australia and the Pacific region.

It is now known that the James Hardie company knew of the dangers of asbestos and did little to mitigate any potential risks. Asbestos is now known to be the worlds leading workplace risk.

LINKS
Asbestos .com -
http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/australia/asbestos.php


Australian Asbestos network –
http://www.australianasbestosnetwork.org.au/Asbestos+History/The+Battles/Battling+James+Hardie/default.aspx