Recent discoveries of bonded asbestos in landscaping mulch across Canberra have reignited public concern about asbestos safety in Australia. While the situation differs significantly from the infamous “Mr Fluffy” loose-fill asbestos crisis, it has raised an important question: Is bonded asbestos dangerous, and does it need to be removed?
The short answer is yes—bonded asbestos can be hazardous under certain conditions, and proper asbestos removal is critical to long-term safety and compliance.
What Is Bonded Asbestos?
Bonded asbestos, also known as non-friable asbestos, has been mixed with a binding agent, typically cement or resin, which locks the fibres in place. It was commonly used in products like fibre cement sheeting (e.g., “fibro”), pipes, and roofing materials in Australian buildings constructed before 2004.
Unlike friable asbestos, which crumbles easily and releases fibres into the air, bonded asbestos generally poses a lower risk—until it is disturbed. When damaged by weather, demolition, or renovation activities, the binding agent can break down, allowing harmful asbestos fibres to be released.
Why Bonded Asbestos Still Poses a Risk
While the fibres in bonded asbestos are initially stable, they don’t stay that way forever. Over time, exposure to elements like rain, sunlight, and physical impact can degrade the matrix holding the fibres together. Once that happens, the material becomes friable, and the danger increases significantly.
For example, the recent discovery of bonded asbestos in mulch spread across multiple Canberra businesses raised alarms because mulch is exposed to the weather and easily disturbed. Experts have cautioned that the most significant risk lies with those involved in the clean-up or those who handle the contaminated materials directly.
This highlights a key point:
The presence of bonded asbestos is not harmless. If not managed correctly, it can be a ticking time bomb!
The Difference Between Bonded Asbestos and Loose-Fill Asbestos
Understanding the current situation helps to contrast bonded asbestos with the much more dangerous loose-fill asbestos used in the Mr Fluffy crisis.
Loose-fill asbestos was raw, unbonded insulation material pumped directly into roof cavities during the 1960s and 70s. It easily became airborne and could spread throughout a home, leading to widespread exposure and devastating health consequences. Thousands of Canberra homes were affected, and many families suffered the tragic impact of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
In contrast, bonded asbestos is more stable and less likely to release fibres unless disturbed. However, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to ignore. Without proper inspection and asbestos removal, aging bonded materials can become just as dangerous over time.
Does Bonded Asbestos Need to Be Removed?
Under Australian law, bonded asbestos does not necessarily need to be removed if it is in good condition and undisturbed. However, it must be identified, recorded in an asbestos register, and managed under a legally compliant asbestos management plan.
That said, if the material is:
- Cracking, breaking down, or weathered
- Located in an area where it could be disturbed (e.g., during renovations or demolition)
- Exposed to the public, especially in high-traffic environments like parks or schools
…then removal by a licensed asbestos professional is strongly recommended.
Failing to comply with asbestos regulations in workplaces can result in heavy penalties, legal liability and, most importantly, serious health risks to employees and the public.
Australia’s Legacy Asbestos Problem
Even though asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003, millions of tonnes remain in older buildings, infrastructure, and products. Experts estimate that over 6 million tonnes of legacy asbestos are still in the built environment. The issue isn’t going away, and public concern is growing.
As community awareness increases, governments and organisations are being called on to take proactive steps.
Take Action with Global Asbestos Audits
If your home, workplace, or commercial property was built before 2004, it may contain bonded asbestos, even if you can’t see it. Don’t leave your health or your legal responsibilities to chance.
Global Asbestos Audits provides expert inspections, asbestos register creation, management plans, and professional asbestos removal referrals Australia-wide. Our team fully complies with national and state regulations and is committed to helping you keep your property safe.
Book an asbestos audit today.
Ensure you’re not unknowingly putting others at risk, and stay on top of your asbestos compliance obligations.