The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has released a review of the ways that asbestos-laden products make it into Australia.

Countries including China, Russia, Canada and Brazil still produce and use asbestos as a cheap input for materials used to supply industries such as building and construction.

They also export asbestos and materials that contain it across the globe, which eventually makes is way to Australia traders.

Despite strict bans, the toxic products are still turning up in Australia, even at hospitals. 

The department’s report looks at the current end-to-end border processes for asbestos.

It found some gaps in organisational and technical area, but deemed that overall “management was effective”.

The review also examined the DIBP’s links with industry and other government agencies, identifying opportunities for enhanced engagement there too.

The full report is accessible here.