Asbestos
Asbestos in Domestic Buildings
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral (a group of magnesium silicates belonging to the serpentine and amphibole groups of rock forming minerals). There are three types, commonly referred to as blue, brown and white. Various building products used until the mid 1980s were manufactured containing asbestos due to its resistance to fire and decay. The most common was asbestos cement - typically used as a sheet backing (substrate) to ceramic tiles, external cladding (fibro), corrugated roofing and pipes and flues.
From about 1940 to the late 1960s all three types of asbestos were used in asbestos cement products. The use of crocidolite (blue) was phased out from 1967 following the closure of WA's Wittenoom mine and imported amosite (brown) was used until the end of production in 1983 (note distribution from existing stockpiles continued until 1987). Australia's use of asbestos peaked in 1975. Cement sheet products on the market today are asbestos free, using cellulose instead of mineral fibre.
Other useful links
A comprehensive report by the 'Enhealth Council' Dept of Health & Ageing: 
management of asbestos.pdf (1.33 MB)
The Victorian Trades Hall Council webpage