"When it comes to asbestos, 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."
DID you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related disease in the world?
Hawkesbury residents are encouraged to learn more about the dangers of asbestos fibres this November as part of a national campaign to help Australians protect themselves from exposure.
One in three Australians homes contain asbestos and campaign co-ordinator, Peter Dunphy, said it was essential that residents understood there was no safe level of exposure.
‘‘Home-owners, renovators, tradies and handymen are putting their health and the health of their families at risk,’’ Mr Dunphy said.
‘‘When doing home renovations, maintenance or demolition, dangerous asbestos dust and fibres can be inhaled and lead to asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs.’’
Since 2003, there have been 600 new cases of mesothelioma each year nationally, despite a complete ban on asbestos since 2003.
‘‘All Hawkesbury residents need to be asbestos aware because a number of homes and buildings contain asbestos building products,’’ Mr Dunphy said.
‘‘Many people think that only fibro homes contain asbestos but it is commonly found in and around brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes or those renovated before 1987.
‘‘If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos doesn’t pose a health risk.’’
Visit asbestosawareness.com.au and take the 20-point safety check to learn where asbestos might be found in homes and on properties.
The website will also provide insights into how to manage it safely.
Where can asbestos be found?
- Under floor coverings
- Behind walls
- In cement floors
- Internal and external walls
- Ceilings
- Garages and sheds
Asbestos related diseases
- Mesothelioma: A cancer arising from the lining of the lungs which happens usually 30 to 40 years after the first asbestos exposure. Survival time after diagnosis is about 10 months.
- Pleural disease: Inflammation of the outer lining of the lung which stiffens and thickens filling with liquid.
- Asbestosis: Scarring of the lungs.
