The Shift from Asbestos to Fibre Cement: What You Need to Know

Deen Gabriel
5 days ago
2 min read

For decades, asbestos was widely used in South Africa's construction industry, particularly in roofing, ceilings, and wall cladding. Praised for its durability, fire resistance, and affordability, asbestos seemed like a miracle material—until its severe health hazards became undeniable.

The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos is not dangerous when intact, but when disturbed—during renovations, repairs, or demolition—it releases microscopic fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious and often fatal illnesses such as:

Asbestosis (lung scarring)
Mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer)
Lung cancer

In South Africa, thousands of people—particularly miners, construction workers, and residents in asbestos housing—have suffered due to exposure. The government banned the use of all forms of asbestos in 2008, but many older buildings still contain it.

Fibre Cement: The Safer Alternative

With asbestos banned, fibre cement has become the preferred replacement material. It offers many of the same benefits—fire resistance, durability, and weatherproofing—without the toxic fibres.

Modern fibre cement products are reinforced with cellulose fibres, sand, and cement. They're commonly used in:

Roofing sheets (replacing old asbestos “Big Six” sheets)
Ceiling boards
Fascias and cladding
Soffits and eaves

Fibre cement is now the go-to material in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings across South Africa.

Proper Asbestos Removal: A Matter of Life and Death

If your building was constructed before 2008, especially in the 1970s to 1990s, it might still contain asbestos. Removing it is not a DIY job—it requires trained professionals, strict safety measures, and legal compliance.

The Process of Safe Asbestos Removal Includes:

Inspection and Identification: A registered asbestos inspector assesses the site.
Risk Assessment and Notification: A plan is drawn up and, in most cases, reported to the Department of Employment and Labour.
Sealing and Containment: The area is sealed to prevent fibres from escaping.
Careful Removal: Workers wear protective clothing and use specialised tools to avoid breaking the asbestos.
Safe Disposal: Asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, and transported to a licensed hazardous waste site.

Legal Requirements in South Africa

According to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations (2020), property owners are legally obligated to:

Identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings.
Have an asbestos inventory and management plan in place.
Use only registered asbestos contractors for removal or repair.

Failing to comply can result in severe penalties, not to mention putting lives at risk.

Final Thoughts

While asbestos was once the backbone of building materials in South Africa, its deadly legacy has led to a nationwide shift to safer alternatives like fibre cement. If you live or work in an older building, don’t ignore the risk—get it inspected, and if needed, ensure safe and legal removal by professionals.

Your health, your family’s safety, and the future of your property depend on it.