DIY-ers are being warned of the asbestos dangers remaining in NSW homes built before 1990. Photo: Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.
Home renovators are being warned that even simple jobs like drilling into eaves to install security cameras or sensor lights, or sanding back walls can release life-threatening asbestos fibres.
And a simple accident like 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.
As part of National Asbestos Week, the Federal Government’s Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) says there are more than 3000 asbestos products which can be found inside and outside homes built before 1990.
Products that could contain asbestos include floors, walls, ceilings, eaves, fences and roofs.
ASSEA’s CEO Jodie Deakes said asbestos was still in many homes built before 1990.
“In older buildings it can be up to 100 years old and deteriorating, making it increasingly more dangerous,” Ms Deakes said.
“As asbestos products deteriorate with age the risk of exposure to deadly fibres increases.
“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.”
During the 1980s, asbestos-containing materials started to be phased and was completely banned in Australia from 2003.
About 4000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia president Barry Robson said homeowners may unknowingly expose themselves and their loved ones to danger when undertaking renovation work.
“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,” he said.
ASSEA is concerned that as Australia heads into summer there is a risk that bushfires, floods and storms could damage or disturb asbestos in homes and sheds, exposing residents, emergency responders, clean-up crews and volunteers to deadly fibres.
Ms Deakles said proactive removal by the right professional could significantly reduce those risks.
“It can also save you from hidden costs, as in many cases insurance may not cover asbestos clean-up and remediation costs, which can be significant.”
For more information, visit ASSEA.
