HEALTH & WELLBEING
Asbestos threat still lurks in older
Western Sydney homes
About 4,000 Australians die each year from mesothelioma and other asbestosrelated diseases , that ’ s about three times the national road toll .
Chair of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council Paul Bastian , said while many of these deaths relate to occupational exposures before the ban was introduced , the risks are far from over .
“ Australia is paying a devastating price for our past use of asbestos , having one of the highest death rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world . While many of these deaths relate to workplace exposures before the ban , there is a concern that a growing number of DIY renovators are next in line for exposure and disease .
“ We often hear about renovators discovering asbestos after starting a project , which means they may already have exposed themselves , their family , and their neighbours , as well as then having to deal with unexpected delays and costs .
Older style fibro house in western Sydney .
“ We need to continue eliminating asbestos-related disease by building on the success of the past two decades . Since the ban , Australia has made significant progress through strengthened laws and public awareness campaigns , yet many people still don ’ t know where asbestos can be found because it ’ s hard to identify it just by looking .
“ Asbestos was used in thousands of building products including vinyl floor tiles , adhesives , paints , electrical components , insulation , textured coatings , and window putty .
“ We ’ re calling on tradies , homeowners , and anyone planning renovations , repairs , or other work on older buildings to think twice about asbestos and don ’ t cut corners . Know where asbestos is before starting work and don ’ t touch it if you don ’ t have the training and equipment to remove it safely ; use a licensed asbestos professional instead . Just like plumbing and electrical work , asbestos removal is a job best left to the experts .”
The peak body representing councils in Western Sydney , the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils ( WSROC ) is urging do-it-yourself home renovators and building trades to ‘ think ahead ’ before working on homes built before 1990 because of the threat of deadly asbestos .
WSROC President , Councillor Barry Calvert said “ If your home was built before 1990 , it could contain asbestos . Older style ‘ fibro ’ homes are of particular concern .
“ However , in all older homes , asbestos can be found throughout the home — in walls , bathrooms , ceilings , floors , laundries , kitchens , roofs , fences and garages .
“ Asbestos is dangerous when damaged , disturbed Asbestos removal . or deteriorating so you shouldn ’ t remove asbestos are easily inhaled and can be a it yourself . It ’ s deadly . health risk . There ’ s no fast or easy way to
“ If you ’ re looking to renovate , planning remove it , so plan ahead to avoid delays ahead will help avoid delays and cost blow and cost blow outs . outs ,” said Councillor Calvert .
“ Get a professional : Please don ’ t
Councillor Calvert urges do-it-yourself risk your health , or anyone else ’ s health . home renovators and building trades to If you ’ re renovating , start by contacting ‘ Be Asbestos Ready ’. a licensed asbestos professional if you “ Before you begin a renovation , please aren ’ t trained to locate , manage or remove follow these three simple steps ,” he said . asbestos .” “ Think ahead : Remember that
It is important to remember that asbestos was used in over 3,000 building asbestos waste cannot be disposed of products and can be found throughout in regular waste bins or through council the home . bulky waste clean ups .
“ Plan ahead : Exposure to asbestos For more information on asbestos fibres can cause cancer . Fibres from safety and safe asbestos disposal , visit disturbed , damaged or deteriorating asbestos . nsw . gov . au .
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