Hazard type

Internal injury
Lung disease

On this page

Risks and injuries from the product

Gas masks with asbestos breathing devices are dangerous. If the mask is used as a breathing apparatus, the wearer is exposed to asbestos fibres through the filter. 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in the surface of the earth. Asbestos fibres are 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair and can:

  • float in the air for a long time
  • be invisible to the naked eye
  • be inhaled into the lungs.

This can lead to various forms of cancer, including mesothelioma.

Products the ban applies to

Gas masks with asbestos breathing devices usually consist of a full-face shield, a hose and a detachable metal canister containing an asbestos filter.

It is illegal for businesses to sell gas masks containing asbestos. This is the case even if a business advertises them as a collectable item.

Gas mask

View the full detail of this ban at Consumer Protection Notice No. 17 of 1993.

What to do if a banned product is being sold

If you are supplying the product

If you become aware that you are supplying a banned or unsafe product, you must:

  1. immediately stop supplying the product
  2. conduct a product recall and let consumers know
  3. notify the ACCC within 2 days of taking recall action.

If you find the product for sale

If you’re aware of any banned or unsafe products being supplied in Australia, you can report the unsafe product to the ACCC.

Report an unsafe product

Penalties for supplying banned products

Supplying a banned product can result in the ACCC taking action. This may result in a:

  • fine
  • court enforceable undertaking
  • disqualification from being a company director
  • court action with penalties
  • product recall.