Banned asbestos and other dangerous building products are slipping past customs officials and being used in Australian homes and building sites, a senate inquiry has heard.

The national construction union has made a submission to the inquiry saying building materials containing asbestos, formaldehyde and cheap glass that explodes are being imported and used in Australia.

Half of the Mr Fluffy blocks auctioned in May have sold. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Brad Parker, assistant national secretary of the CFMEU Construction Division, said the Australian Border Force was seriously under resourced to intercept the arrival of dangerous building products.

"Non-conforming building products touch nearly every part of our daily lives. From asbestos that kills to cheap glass that explodes, to flat pack kitchens reeking of formaldehyde," Mr Parker said.