Martin Campi from Melbourne Asbestos Removal and Demolition, based in East

St Kilda, said a rise in home renovations had led to many calls to homes in Bentleigh, East Bentleigh, Sandringham and Hampton.

‘‘It’s happening everywhere. Asbestos is in nearly all homes built before ’85, but there is so much renovating and building going on in those areas,’’ he said.

Kingston City Council issued a safety reminder last week after two recent incidents where asbestos was disturbed in homes.

Mayor John Ronke said he was amazed at the cases given the prevalence of warning messages in the media.

“We need to keep reinforcing the message to the community that everyone should take care around asbestos,’’ he said.

Slater and Gordon asbestos lawyer Margaret Kent said domestic asbestos cases were common because home owners did not realise asbestos was found in so many places.

‘‘It’s not just in sheeting, it is around heaters, in eaves and splashbacks,’’ she said.

Ms Kent said many domestic cases involved people sweeping up dust after renovation work.

‘‘Often the wives will be upset there is a mess so they will sweep up and not realise there is asbestos dust.’’

Bayside council infrastructure services acting director Charles Turner said homeowners should use a professional contractor to responsibly remove and dispose of asbestos.

‘‘Like the rest of Australia, it is believed that the majority of unrenovated homes in Bayside built between the 1940s and late 1980s contain some form of asbestos,’’ he said.

When asbestos is disturbed the fibres become airborne and can cause lung disease if inhaled.

Mr Turner urged residents who believed asbestos had been disturbed in their home to contact the council.