Is it Asbestos?
Not sure if the item contains asbestos? There are two classes of asbestos types.
Friable (Class A) Asbestos is classified as any material found under ground level, as well as a few older forms of insulation used in domestic heaters and stoves and in ceiling insulations products. Ceiling insulation containing asbestos was generally used in commercial buildings. In most cases, glass fibres have replaced asbestos in today's insulations products.
Bonded (Class B) Asbestos is a fibre-cement product. The asbestos in firmly embedded in a hardened matrix. The bonded sheets are flat, corrugated or circular tubes.
Testing for asbestos
The best way to find out is to have it tested. For a list of registered hygienists (testers) in all states, go to the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists site. Click on the symbol of the man holding a magnifying glass half way down the page and then enter your state.
Recommended Hygienists
Asbestos Central
Edge Group
