Dear Editor,
This week (November 25 – 29) is Asbestos Awareness Week and, with wild weather and fires sweeping parts of our state, it is a timely reminder that this deadly material is still present in our communities – in many of our homes, sheds and other structures.
In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 3 Australian homes still contain asbestos-based materials.
Asbestos is particularly dangerous when it has been disturbed and the fibres are loose.
If you are involved in the clean-up of any materials and you suspect asbestos may be present, be extremely careful and contact local authorities immediately.
Some people suffer no effects from asbestos exposure, while for others a single exposure can trigger disease.
Joanne Wade
Slater & Gordon Lawyers