If left undisturbed asbestos generally does not pose a health risk. However, when disturbed during renovations and home maintenance, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and when inhaled, can cause life-threatening diseases including lung cancer, pleural diseases asbestosis and mesothelioma. With every home built or renovated before 1987 likely to contain asbestos, the campaign’s primary objective is to educate Australian’s about the danger of asbestos in and around homes and how to manage it safely.
1 in every 3 Australian homes will contain asbestos in some form or another including brick, weatherboard, fibro, clad and timber homes – even apartments. Before commencing any work around the home visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au for examples of products that might contain asbestos and learn where they might be located in your home and how to manage asbestos safely. Asbestos could be anywhere! In walls, floor and wall tiles, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, carports, home extensions and even the dog kennel! Don’t play renovation roulette! It’s not worth the risk!
Here are some fantastic resources:
- Fantastic New Fact Sheets to help householders manage asbestos safely in and around their home. http://asbestosawareness.com.au/fact-sheets/
- Asbestos in your Home: The Ultimate Renovators Guide video: http://asbestosawareness.com.au/asbestos-in-the-home/video-asbestos-in-your-home/
- Asbestos Products Database – the world’s first database of asbestos products for homeowners to use to help identify asbestos in their home: http://asbestosawareness.com.au/asbestos-products-database/
