Why We Still Find Asbestos in 1980s and 1990s Homes
Many people assume asbestos disappeared after the 1970s — but in reality, it continued to be used in Australian homes right into the 1980s and even the 1990s. Here’s why asbestos lingers in more modern houses, what materials it was used in, and why testing is still essential.
Didn’t We Ban Asbestos?
Australia introduced a complete ban on the manufacture, import, and use of all forms of asbestos in December 2003. But before that, asbestos was widely used in residential construction — particularly in:
Cement sheeting (fibro)
Roofing and gutters
Vinyl floor coverings
Insulation and adhesives
While the health risks of asbestos were well known by the late 1970s, it wasn’t phased out immediately. In fact:
Non-friable asbestos (like cement products) continued to be manufactured and installed throughout the 1980s
Stockpiled materials were still being used up into the early 1990s
Imported products containing asbestos slipped through even later
That’s why even homes built between 1985 and 1995 can still contain asbestos.
Where We Still Find Asbestos in 1980s–1990s Homes
At Confluence Environmental, we regularly inspect homes built after 1985 and still uncover asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in places like:
External Cladding & Eaves
Asbestos cement sheeting was still commonly used on exterior walls, soffits, and eaves in the late '80s.
Bathroom and Laundry Linings
Wet-area wall linings and backing boards for tiling often used asbestos-based sheeting and waterproof adhesives.
Vinyl Flooring and Backing
Even in the early '90s, some vinyl sheet flooring had friable asbestos backing — posing serious risk if disturbed.
Tile Adhesives and Mastics
Older adhesives used under wall and floor tiles sometimes contained asbestos for added strength and heat resistance.
Garages, Fences, and Outbuildings
Structures around the home — like garages and backyard fences — often used asbestos materials from leftover stock.
Why Is Asbestos Still Found in Later Homes?
Slow Industry Transition
Although warnings about asbestos risks became widespread in the 1980s, many builders and suppliers continued using it until stocks ran out — well into the 1990s.
Leftover or Reused Materials
Builders would often reuse leftover sheeting or roofing from earlier jobs, especially for garages, extensions, and sheds.
Imported Products
Some building products imported in the 1990s (particularly from Asia) were found to contain asbestos, even though local production was declining.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
If your home was built between 1980 and 2000, you cannot assume it’s asbestos-free. This means:
Renovating without testing could expose your family or trades to airborne fibres
Selling or renting may require an asbestos inspection or register
DIY jobs like drilling, sanding, or removing sheeting could release fibres unknowingly
The Only Way to Know? Test It.
At Confluence Environmental, we offer fast, affordable asbestos sample testing and home inspections across NSW, including the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, and Sydney.
Our services include:
On-site asbestos sample collection
Mail-in testing service
Full asbestos inspections and reports
Clearance certificates after removal
Whether you're planning to renovate or just want peace of mind, we help you find out what’s in your walls, floors, and ceilings — before it's disturbed.
Suspect asbestos in your 1980s or 1990s home?
Call us today or book an inspection online to get fast, professional answers.
Final Thoughts
Just because your home looks “modern” doesn’t mean it’s asbestos-free. 1980s and even early 1990s homes can — and often do — contain asbestos materials. That’s why it’s critical to test before cutting, drilling, or renovating.
At Confluence Environmental, we help NSW homeowners and trades stay safe, compliant, and confident — with clear reporting and practical advice you can trust.