The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is calling on Australians to recognise the increasing dangers posed by ageing and deteriorating asbestos materials hidden within homes.
Despite a nationwide asbestos ban in place since 2003, this hazardous material remains prevalent in one in three Australian households, particularly those built before 1990.
With many Aussies gearing up for some summer DIY renovations, safety experts have issued a strong warning about the risks of disturbing older asbestos-containing materials.
They emphasise that the increasing deterioration of these structures means homeowners are putting themselves at greater risk when tackling home improvements.
“If your home was built before 1990, there’s a high likelihood it contains asbestos,” said Jodie Deakes, ASSEA’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Asbestos was used in over 3,000 building products, and it can show up inside and outside, in floors, walls, ceilings, eaves, pipes, and roofs.”
“Asbestos cement roofs are particularly concerning, as they’ve endured decades of sun, wind, rain, and hail,” said Ms Deakes.
“Heavy rains can wash fibres into guttering, contaminating surrounding areas. In contrast, asbestos eaves may be in better condition, but they still pose risks if damaged or disturbed.”
Homeowners Urged to Reconsider Risks
With asbestos-containing products now between 30 and 100 years old, the likelihood of disturbance during even the simplest DIY tasks is greater, potentially releasing harmful fibres into the air.
These fibres, when inhaled, can cause deadly diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Around 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related illnesses, underscoring the need for awareness and prevention.
“Asbestos exposure is a silent danger,” said Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia and the Asbestos Education Committee.
“Because there’s no known safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s critical that homeowners take proactive steps to identify and manage asbestos safely.”
“Our message this Asbestos Awareness Month is simple: know where asbestos is in your home and take the right steps to manage it safely,” said Ms Deakes.
“Engage licensed asbestos professionals before starting any renovation or DIY project.”
Cherie Barber’s Warning
Asbestos Awareness Ambassador and TV renovation star Cherie Barber, who lost her grandfather to an asbestos-related disease, highlighted the widespread presence of asbestos in Australian homes.
“Renovating is exciting, but ignoring the warnings by knocking down walls, smashing off tiles, ripping up carpets, or pulling down fences and sheds might not only cost you your life. If asbestos isn’t removed and disposed of appropriately, it could end up costing a small fortune to remediate a contaminated site,” Ms Barber warned.
“Although in some states homeowners are permitted to remove up to ten square metres of asbestos-containing materials themselves, we strongly advise against it and encourage people to only use licensed asbestos professionals because the cost to homeowners and their families could be far greater if they’re exposed to fibres that can kill.”
Cherie also advises even the most experienced DIY enthusiasts to reconsider their renovation plans if they involve adapting an older home.
“For those planning to renovate a home built before 1990, not only do they need to budget for licensed electrical, plumbing, and construction trades, it’s essential they incorporate licensed asbestos professionals into their reno budget, who will inspect and safely remove asbestos. It’s just not worth the risk,” she said.
“The main message we want people to hear is what not to do with 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! Don’t dump it! And whatever you do… Don’t remove it yourself!”
