Homeowners throughout Australia are being advised to prioritise the safe removal of asbestos amid warnings that aging asbestos containing materials in older homes could be deteriorating.

And those undertaking home renovations are being warned to be especially careful.

In a statement issued earlier this month in the lead-up to National Asbestos Awareness Week (which is now this week), Jodie Deakes, CEO of the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA), warned that the deadly material remains a problem in older homes.

In particular, Deakes warned that many of the asbestos containing materials which are in homes and businesses are aging and potentially deteriorating.

This makes the materials increasingly dangerous and makes their safe removal more critical.

“Asbestos is still in many homes built before 1990, and in older buildings it can be up to 100 years old and deteriorating making it increasingly more dangerous,” Deakes said.

“As asbestos products deteriorate with age the risk of exposure to deadly fibres increases.

“That’s why we are asking people to prioritise the safe and proactive removal of asbestos in their homes which costs half the amount of unplanned, reactive removal following an accident or natural disaster.

“We all know Australians love to DIY and renovate especially in the warmer months, but homeowners may unknowingly expose themselves and their loved ones to danger.

“Even simple home upgrades like drilling into eaves to install security cameras or sensor lights, or sanding back an asbestos painted wall can release fibres that when inhaled can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer.”

Deakes’ warning comes as this week marks National Asbestos Awareness Week.

Used widely across Australia before being phased out from the 1980s and banned completely in 2003, asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was used in many building and automotive projects on account of its heat resistance, strength and insulating properties.

The problem is that when the material is disturbed, microscopic fibres can become airbourne.

If inhaled, this can lead to serious health risks such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

As many as 4,000 Australians die from asbestos related diseases every year.

All up, around 6.2 million tones of asbestos is believed to be present in homes, businesses and workplaces.

This is enough to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground five times over.

More than 3,000 asbestos products were widely used in older homes that were constructed prior to 1990.

Products that can contain asbestos include floors, walls, ceilings, eaves, fences and roofs.

These materials are now between 30 and 100 years old – well beyond their expected lifespan.

Through the sixteen-year Asbestos National Strategic Plan commenced in 2014, the Federal Government is aiming to remove all asbestos from the built environment by 2030.

The efforts are being coordinated by ASSEA.

As the nation heads into summer, Deakes warns that bushfires, floods and storms may damage or disturb asbestos in homes and sheds.

This could expose residents, emergency responders, clean-up crews and volunteers to deadly fibres.

She says that safe removal is critical.

“We’re advising DIYers undertaking home improvement projects to remove potential uncertainty and risk by contacting their local authority for guidance on asbestos removal and how to contact a qualified asbestos assessor and removalist,” Deakes said.

“By knowing where asbestos is in your home and prioritising its safe removal, you can plan for the unplanned and protect yourself, your family and neighbours.

“Accidents can also happen. A cricket ball hitting a shed causing damage, or a wall getting scraped when moving furniture, can be enough to disturb asbestos and cause a hazardous situation.

“Proactive removal with the right professional, before natural disaster strikes can significantly reduce these risks while protecting those in your community and on the front line of emergency response and recovery.”

 

Enjoying Sourceable articles? Subscribe for Free and receive daily updates of all articles which are published on our site

 

Want to grow your sales, reach more new clients and expand your client base across Australia’s design and construction sector?

Advertise on Sourceable and have your business seen by the thousands of architects, engineers, builders/construction contractors, subcontractors/trade contractors, property developers and building industry suppliers who read our stories across the civil, commercial and residential construction sector