James Hardie
James Hardie was Australia's largest asbestos-cement manufacturer, producing "fibro" cladding, roofing, and building sheets.
Description
James Hardie Industries is Australia's most significant asbestos company by volume and legacy. Founded in Melbourne in 1888 as an import business, the company began manufacturing asbestos-cement products in 1917 at its Camellia factory in Sydney. Over the following decades, James Hardie became the dominant supplier of fiber-cement building materials in Australia and New Zealand.
The company produced an extensive range of asbestos-cement products under well-known brand names: Hardiflex (flat sheets), Hardiplank (weatherboard cladding), Villaboard (internal lining), Versilux (compressed sheets), Hardie Fibrolite (flat sheets), and Super Six (corrugated roofing). These products were used to build hundreds of thousands of Australian homes, giving rise to the term "fibro house" — a cultural touchstone in Australian suburban life. Products contained chrysotile asbestos, and some earlier products also contained amosite or crocidolite.
James Hardie ceased using asbestos in 1987, transitioning to cellulose fiber reinforcement. However, the health legacy was enormous. Thousands of former workers, as well as homeowners and tradespeople who cut and installed Hardie products, developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
The most controversial chapter in James Hardie's history was the compensation fund scandal. In 2001, James Hardie restructured its operations, moving its corporate domicile to the Netherlands and establishing two underfunded foundations — the Medical Research and Compensation Foundation (MRCF) — to handle asbestos claims, while distancing its profitable operations from future liabilities. A 2004 NSW government inquiry led by David Jackson QC found that the foundations were grossly underfunded, with only approximately $293 million against projected liabilities of $1.5 billion or more.
Public outrage forced the company to negotiate a new compensation arrangement. The James Hardie Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) was established in 2006, funded by annual contributions from James Hardie tied to its free cash flow. This arrangement was later enshrined in legislation. The AICF continues to compensate victims in Australia.
James Hardie relocated its headquarters to the United States and remains a major global manufacturer of fiber-cement building products, all of which are asbestos-free.
Countries where commonly found
Commercial brands
How to identify
James Hardie asbestos products are identified by brand names stamped or printed on the material. Look for "JAMES HARDIE," "HARDIFLEX," "HARDIPLANK," "VILLABOARD," "VERSILUX," "HARDIE FIBROLITE," or "SUPER SIX" markings on sheets and boards. Flat sheets are typically 4.5mm to 6mm thick, with a smooth face and a textured reverse side. Corrugated Super Six roofing has the characteristic six-peak corrugation profile. In Australian homes, fibro cladding appears as flat or weatherboard-style external wall panels with a cement-like appearance. The material is grey when unpainted, though most installations are painted. Any James Hardie product installed before 1987 should be presumed to contain asbestos. Products from the late 1980s onward should be marked "AF" (asbestos-free) or "NT" (new technology).
Health risk & friability
This material has a risk level of 2 out of 5.
It is classified as non-friable, meaning the asbestos fibers are tightly bound within the material matrix. When in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk of fiber release is low. However, cutting, drilling, sanding or breaking the material can release dangerous fibers.
What to do if you find this material
If you live in an Australian "fibro" home or a building with James Hardie products installed before 1987, do not cut, drill, sand, or break the material. James Hardie fibro in good condition poses low risk when undisturbed. However, any renovation, demolition, or maintenance work that might damage the material requires asbestos safety precautions. In Australia, have the material tested by a NATA-accredited laboratory. Minor domestic removal (up to 10 square meters of non-friable material in most states) may be done by the homeowner following state-specific guidelines, but larger quantities require a licensed asbestos removalist. Check with your state or territory WorkSafe authority for specific regulations. Asbestos waste must be disposed of at an approved facility. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease linked to James Hardie products, contact the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) to lodge a claim.
Frequently asked questions
What is a "fibro" house?
What was the James Hardie compensation scandal?
Does James Hardie still make asbestos products?
How do I get compensation for James Hardie asbestos exposure?
Can I renovate a fibro house safely?
Related materials
Other asbestos-containing materials you might encounter.
Asbestos Cement Flat Sheet
Flat pressed sheets of asbestos-reinforced cement used for cladding, soffits, and interior partitions.
Asbestos Cement Corrugated Sheet
Corrugated roofing and cladding sheets made with chrysotile asbestos fibres bound in Portland cement.
Eternit
Eternit was the world's largest manufacturer of asbestos-cement roofing, pipes, and facade products.
Uralita
Uralita was Spain's dominant asbestos-cement manufacturer, producing roofing sheets, pipes, and building panels.
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