Although Victoria has no history of asbestos mining, the widespread use of asbestos in transport, building and manufacturing has resulted in an increasing number of Victorians developing asbestos related diseases. There can be a 20-30 year latent period after asbestos exposure before disease develops, which means many Victorians are yet to be diagnosed with lung diseases such as asbestosis, pleural plaques, lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Asbestos has been used in a wide variety of products and may still be found in many products some of which include:
1.Asbestos cement sheet pipe and products used for water supply and sewage piping, casings for electrical wires, fire protection material, chemical tanks, electrical switchboards and residential and industrial building materials such as cement sheeting.
2.Friction products such as clutch facings and brake linings for cars.
3.Products containing asbestos paper such as table pads and heat protective mats, heat and electrical wire insulation, small appliance components and underlying material for sheet flooring.
4.Asbestos textile products such as packing components, roofing materials, heaters.
5.Other products including ceiling and floor tiles, gaskets and packings, paints, coating and sealants.
Asbestos products were gradually removed from production during the 1980s. Between 1981 and 1983, asbestos flat sheeting was phased out. In 1985, corrugated products (roofing and cladding) were also taken from production. Asbestos-lined piping was not made after 1987 and in 2003 brake pads and linings ceased to contain asbestos.