the construction landscape in Australia is marked by a commitment to safety and sustainability, but challenges persist with the use of certain building materials. This article examines these materials, the associated risks, and the regulatory and industry responses, drawing on Australian data and research.
Asbestos
Asbestos-related concerns remain a significant health issue in Australia, which once had one of the highest per-capita rates of asbestos use until the cessation of its use in the mid-1980s. Data from the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency suggest that around one-third of all residential constructions in Australia contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The legacy of asbestos is a grave one, with the incidence of mesothelioma, a type of cancer directly
