“Don’t Play Renovation Roulette! Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember!
NOvember is National Asbestos Awareness Month aimed at encouraging homeowners, renovators, tradies and handymen to Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember by visiting asbestosawareness.com.au and take the 20 Point Asbestos Safety Check to learn how to protect themselves and families from exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres.
Peter Dunphy Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee working in partnership with the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute said, “There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres. With at least 1 in 3 Australian homes containing asbestos, many homeowners, renovators, tradies and handymen are putting their health and the health of families at risk when doing home renovations, maintenance and demolition. Dangerous asbestos dust and fibres can be released, and when inhaled can lead to asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, an incurable cancer occurring mainly in the lung.
Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world with growing evidence linking asbestos exposure to DIY and renovations with more people, specifically women, diagnosed as a result of inhaling fibres in a non-occupational setting. “If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos generally doesn’t pose a health risk. However, there is still a high volume of asbestos-containing building products used prior to 1987 which remain hidden dangers in homes and buildings so it’s critical that all Australians become asbestos aware.
“Many Australians wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos. Asbestos could be anywhere! With asbestos products still commonly found in and around brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes built or renovated before 1987, it’s vital that homeowners, renovators, tradesmen and handymen Get to kNOw Asbestos this November.â€
“Visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au and take the 20 Point Safety check to learn where asbestos might be found in homes and on properties, and how to manage it safely because it’s not worth the risk to themselves or to their families,†Mr Dunphy said.
When it comes to asbestos, Don’t play Renovation Roulette! Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do… Don’t dump it!
