Health and wellbeing

Be asbestos ready: 1 in 3 homes contains asbestos

Homes built before 1990 could contain asbestos. Asbestos is dangerous when damaged, disturbed or deteriorating so you shouldn’t remove it yourself.

Asbestos can be found throughout the home in walls, bathrooms, ceilings, floors, laundries, kitchens, roofs, fences and garages.

Asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of 4 times more people who die each year on our roads.

If you’re a tradie, or planning DIY renovations, you can follow 3 simple steps to protect your health if asbestos is found.

1. Think ahead

Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world, including cancer. Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building products in some homes that were built before 1990.

2. Plan to avoid delays and cost blowouts

Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause cancer. Fibres from disturbed, damaged or deteriorating asbestos are easily inhaled and can be a health risk.

There’s no fast or easy way to remove it.

3. Get a licensed asbestos professional

Don’t risk your health or anyone else’s health.

If you’re DIY renovating, start by contacting a licensed asbestos professional if you’re not trained to locate, manage or remove asbestos.

They will also provide advice to tradespeople on how to protect everyone’s health and help you proceed safely.

For more information on asbestos safety visit Asbestos in NSW website.

Published 28 October 2024

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