Dear The Canowindra Phoenix Editor,
Each November Australia’s Asbestos Education Committee focuses on saving the lives of everyday Australians who might risk disturbing asbestos when renovating older homes.
With the annual death toll from asbestos-related diseases exceeding 4,000 and predicted to rise, it’s vital that every Australian homeowner understands where asbestos might be lurking in their home and what to do to manage it safely.
What most don’t know is that asbestos could be anywhere in any home built before 1990 including brick, fibro, weatherboard, clad homes, apartments or sheds because it was used in the manufacture of more than 3,000 building and decorator products, not just fibro sheeting.
The fear is that with the popularity of renovating continuing to soar, if property owners aren’t aware of potentially deadly asbestos lurks within 1-in-every-3 homes, and if asbestos is disturbed during renovation, demolition or maintenance, homeowners could be risking their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
The first rule is, if you think a product may contain asbestos, treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions starting with having the property inspected by an occupational hygienist or a licenced asbestos assessor. Remember, a regular building inspection does not test for asbestos! And if asbestos is confirmed, property owners should only use licenced asbestos removalists to ensure they protect themselves and their families because it’s not worth the risk!
For further information and to support the important work of the Asbestos Education Committee, you can make a tax-deductible donation at www.asbestosawareness.com.au/support.
Kind Regards,
Cherie Barber
Australia’s Renovation Queen™
National Asbestos Awareness Ambassador