What is fibro? - Is fibro asbestos?
30 Years Experience
You might have heard the term 'fibro' in various contexts, especially when talking about older buildings or construction materials. To someone unfamiliar with the term, it can be a little confusing. Let’s break down what fibro is and why it's essential to know about it.
The Basics of Fibro
Fibro, short for 'fibrous', is a building material that was popularly used in many countries, especially from the 1940s to the 1980s. It's a flat sheeting product, often grey in appearance, and comes in various sizes. But what made fibro so popular?
Fibro sheets were relatively cheap, durable, and easy to use. This made them a common choice for many homes, garages, sheds, and even larger buildings. If you ever see an older building with flat, grey sheets, there’s a chance it might be fibro.
The Concern with Fibro
So, if fibro was so widely used, what’s the problem? The main concern with fibro is that many of these
However, later on, it was discovered that asbestos could be hazardous to health. When materials containing asbestos, like certain fibro sheets, are damaged or age, they can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can cause serious health problems.
Identifying Fibro in Homes and Buildings
If you live in or are considering purchasing an older home, it’s a good idea to find out if any fibro sheeting was used in its construction. Here are some areas you might encounter fibro:
- Walls: Exterior and sometimes interior walls of homes could be made from fibro.
- Roofs: Some corrugated roofing products were made using fibro.
- Fences: Many older fences, especially those between properties, could be fibro.
- Sheds and Garages: These structures were often built quickly and cheaply, making fibro a popular choice.
It's important to note that just because a building or structure has fibro, it doesn't mean it contains asbestos. There's 'asbestos-containing fibro' and 'non-asbestos fibro'. It's the asbestos-containing fibro that raises health concerns.
What to Do If You Suspect Fibro in Your Home?
If you believe there might be fibro containing asbestos in your home or any other building you use, here’s what you should consider:
- Don't Disturb It: As mentioned, asbestos is most dangerous when it's damaged and releases fibers into the air. Avoid drilling, cutting, or breaking any suspected fibro sheets.
- Seek Expert Advice: If you’re unsure about any material in your home, call a professional who can identify and manage asbestos products safely. They have specialized equipment and knowledge to deal with fibro containing asbestos.
- Stay Informed: Knowing what's in your environment and the potential risks can help you make informed decisions. When in doubt, always ask.
Is fibro asbestos?
It might be, but then again it might not depending on when it was manufactured. While fibro was once a go-to material for many construction needs, understanding its link with asbestos is crucial for our health and safety. It's always better to be aware and cautious. If you ever have concerns about fibro in your surroundings, reaching out to professionals for guidance is the best step forward.
Knowledge and caution can go a long way in ensuring a safe environment for ourselves and our loved ones.
Call 0407 050 694 today for an obligation free discussion about how we can help you with your asbestos problems or asbestos removal.
