Asbestos Cement

Asbestos Cement is the most common asbestos related product in the world today.

Asbestos cement products were produced by mixing asbestos fibres with cement and water. The asbestos fibre was added as reinforcement, to increase the strength of the product. Asbestos cement products typically contain 10-15 per cent asbestos fibre by weight. This unique combination allowed the development of a myriad of products that were rapidly accepted and used throughout Australia and the world.

The most common asbestos cement product is commonly referred to in Australia as “Fibro”. This was a shortened name from Fibrous cement sheet, also know as asbestos cement sheet or “AC Sheet”.

Fibro sheets were used throughout the world, but in Australia its use was almost universal. The main manufacturer of fibro sheets in Australia was James Hardie Industries.

The widespread use of asbestos cement throughout Australia has had a significant effect on many workers and families. The asbestos used in Australia was initially, the deadly “BLUE” asbestos, known as crocidolite.

Asbestos cement use was banned in Australia in 1990.

Asbestos Cement LINKS
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/asbestos/documents/damaged_sheeting_fs.pdf

http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/gs10i.pdf

http://www.comcare.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/111084/Identifying_asbestos_in_your_home.pdf