If you asked most modern homeowners if their homes were safe and free from asbestos, they would say “yes”. However, there’s a good chance that this isn’t true. While Australia is one of the 55 countries that has banned the use of asbestos, it still poses a risk to the population. Here are some facts worth knowing about asbestos home removal and the risks you could be facing.
TLDR: the most important asbestos facts
No time to read the full article? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top insights on asbestos exposure that you can use to minimise your own risk.
- You can assume asbestos: it’s so commonly found in Australian homes (across so many building components) that it’s always worth engaging an expert for an inspection before you buy, demolish, or DIY.
- Asbestos-related diseases are extremely serious: with links to multiple cancers, and with many of the associated diseases considered incurable, your best bet is minimising or eliminating asbestos exposure wherever possible.
- Don’t DIY, don’t dump: Asbestos disposal is strictly regulated for a reason! You risk serious health consequences and serious financial penalties if you choose not to work with asbestos removal experts.
Asbestos was only completely banned in 2003
In Australia, crocidolite asbestos (also known as blue asbestos) was banned in the sixties and amosite asbestos (also known as brown asbestos) was banned in the eighties. However, all other forms were only banned as late as 2003, much later than most people think. This means that it’s highly possible that it’s in your home, around your home, or in a structure you visit on a regular basis.
Australia was one of the biggest users of asbestos and asbestos-containing products
Because Australia had plenty of natural reserves and mining of asbestos, for many years, we had the highest per capita use of the toxin in the world. This means that the chance of you having it in your home is higher than you think. Asbestos mining was commonplace in Australia, with plentiful deposits of this naturally occurring mineral found in both Western Australia and New South Wales.
Asbestos is estimated to be in 1 in 3 Australian homes
The New South Wales government estimates that 1 in 3 Australian homes contains asbestos in some form. If your home was built prior to 2003 – and especially pre-90s – you’re at high risk.
Asbestos could be almost anywhere in your structure
Most people know that asbestos materials are commonly found in roofing, but did you know that they were also used in vinyl flooring, carpet underlays, cladding, and even textured ceiling finishes?
In fact, asbestos is commonly found in:
- Gutters
- Eaves
- Chimney flues
- Pipes and pipe insulation
- Heater insulation
- Fireplaces
- Roofing shingles
It was also used in products including brake pads for elevators and bicycles, or even old fire blankets. While you’re much less likely to encounter these items, these facts do help us understand just how pervasive asbestos was (and continues to be).
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure
It’s a common misconception that only high levels of asbestos exposure can lead to illness. Asbestos-related lung diseases can come as a result of even small durations of exposure to these toxic substances.
Even using common safety equipment, like N95 masks and coveralls, is generally considered to be insufficient protection.
Asbestos fibres can be completely invisible
Invisible to the naked eye, you can’t always tell that you’re dealing with construction materials contaminated with asbestos fibres just by looking at them. While it’s true that certain asbestos particles do have a distinctive appearance, asbestos fibres are microscopic. To detect asbestos fibres, experts often have to conduct lab testing. This is part of what makes them so dangerous: they’re so small that they’re able to be inhaled. It’s thought that asbestos fibres can be passed through into the bloodstream, causing irrevocable damage to multiple systems in the body.
Asbestos exposure has been linked to over a dozen diseases
Asbestos exposure has been linked to cancers, including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and throat cancer. It’s also been linked to chronic diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a condition whereby lung tissue becomes scarred from asbestos inhalation, making breathing painful and difficult. Mesothelioma is a tumour that impacts the lining of internal organs, most commonly the lungs.
Many asbestos-related diseases are incurable
While there are treatments available for many asbestos-related diseases, many are considered to be incurable. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are considered to be incurable and are often diagnosed in their advanced stages. The best cure is prevention, and that means taking great care to avoid asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is still being diagnosed
Between the 80s and present day, thousands of Australians have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. While cases are starting to level off, diagnoses are still occurring in those who have occupational asbestos exposure. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma worldwide, due to the high incidence of exposure to asbestos fibres in Australian workers. The New South Wales Government authority on asbestos reports that approximately 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-exposure related diseases.
DIY can be against the law
Depending on the state and council jurisdiction you live in, there will be regulations that determine what asbestos removal works can be undertaken and by whom. In some areas, it might be legal to remove small amounts of non-friable (non-crumbling) asbestos without a license, but it’s never a good idea.
Everywhere in Australia, however, it is strongly recommended that all asbestos removal be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removal company. The risk of asbestos-related diseases is acknowledged nationwide as far too great to be worth it.
Asbestos can’t just be placed in any landfill
There are extremely stringent regulations on where asbestos can be dumped, and significant financial penalties apply to its improper management. There are also specific documents and certificates required to transport certain kinds of asbestos-containing materials. It’s not worth the financial or health risk – always engage a professional to remove asbestos and dispose of it properly.
Homeowners are at risk
The majority of construction and building companies are well aware of the risks posed by asbestos exposure and can effectively plan to manage toxic substances. There are various laws in place that have encouraged this sector to deal with the presence of asbestos responsibly, in order to avoid fines and lawsuits.
Research shows that the group most at risk of coming into contact with asbestos is homeowners. Many DIY enthusiasts in Australia are unwittingly putting themselves at risk while undertaking minor repairs in and around the home.
Homebuyers are also at risk
If you’re looking to buy a property in Australia, you’ll almost certainly be considering properties that contain asbestos. You could find yourself spending significant money on asbestos abatement if you don’t know exactly what you’re dealing with.
An asbestos inspection could save you money
By undertaking an asbestos inspection before purchasing a property, you can understand the full costs that might be associated and weigh them against the investment you’re looking to make. If the inspection does identify asbestos, you can discuss managing those costs with the existing homeowner, reducing your own financial burden.
What you can do to protect yourself against asbestos exposure
Before you even think about picking up a hammer or nail, it’s best to get the opinions of asbestos management and removal experts.
They will thoroughly evaluate your property from top to toe to see if there’s even the slightest trace of asbestos present. For residents of Sydney, Wollongong or Brisbane, the GBAR Group is the most trusted asbestos removal company.
It’s important to remember that there is no such thing as risk-free exposure to asbestos. No home renovation job is worth your life and well-being, so you owe it to your loved ones to deal with any potential risk present before it becomes an eventuality.
