After weeks of torrential rain and widespread flooding, the dangers are sadly not yet over for North Queensland homeowners.
Experts have now issued urgent warnings to residents in flood-affected areas about the heightened risk of encountering asbestos during the cleanup process.
The recent deluge wreaked havoc across much of the state’s north, particularly in Townsville. The ‘North Queensland capital’ recorded nearly 900mm of rainfall, leading to widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
As residents begin the arduous task of cleaning up, experts are urging caution, warning that asbestos exposure is a real and serious risk in many pre-1990 homes.
Hannah Murray, associate in dust diseases and asbestos at Slater and Gordon Lawyers, emphasized the severity of the issue.
“There’s a real concern that residents may start the clean-up process without taking precautions,” Ms Murray told Build-it.
“The material will already be disturbed from the flood damage, and that increases the chance and danger of breathing in the deadly fibres.”
“The dangers of asbestos should never be underestimated, and I urge home and business owners who are repairing properties after the flooding to be cautious and seek professional assistance if they are unsure or have any concerns.”
Floodwaters rise on asbestos threat
The inhalation of asbestos dust and fibres can cause mesothelioma, an aggressive and incurable cancer.
In Australia, a staggering one in three homes built before 1990 contains the deadly building material, which may be present in roofing, flooring, fencing, putty, glues, plumbing, cement building materials, carpet underlay, tiles, pipes, and insulation.
When structures containing asbestos are disturbed—such as by floodwaters—dangerous fibres are released into the air. Once inhaled, these fibres become trapped in the lungs, increasing the risk of life-threatening diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer.
Ms Murray warned that homeowners with properties older than 34 years should anticipate encountering asbestos as part of the cleanup process.
“While it can be hard to know if your home or business contains asbestos, it was a common building product until the 1990s, so you should assume that if your home is built before then, there’s a likely risk,” she said.
Cleaning up safely
When dealing with potential asbestos exposure during flood cleanup, it’s crucial to follow proper safety guidelines.
Whenever possible, homeowners should avoid tackling asbestos cleanup themselves.
Given the significant health risks, it’s strongly advised to consult licensed asbestos professionals before beginning any cleanup or renovation work in flood-affected areas.
They can assess the presence of asbestos and ensure its safe removal, minimizing health risks to you and your family.
“It’s better to be overly cautious when dealing with anything you believe could contain asbestos,” Ms Murray emphasized.
By seeking professional guidance, residents can safely navigate the post-flood cleanup process and protect themselves and their families from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Advice
Do:
- Leave undamaged asbestos-containing materials alone.
- Keep activities to a minimum in areas with possible damaged asbestos material.
- Take every precaution to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials.
- Have removal and major repairs carried out by licensed asbestos professionals.
Don’t:
- Dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
- Saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos-containing materials.
- Use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to remove wax from asbestos flooring.
- Sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing.
- Track material that could contain asbestos through the house.
Renovation experts warning
Renovation expert and Asbestos Awareness Ambassador Cherie Barber, who lost her grandfather to an asbestos-related disease, is urging homeowners to wait for professional help rather than attempt DIY asbestos removal.
She warns that asbestos could be found in more than just a home’s structure, with the material used extensively across more than 3,000 building products.
“Asbestos could be under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels. It was used everywhere!” she said.
Cherie warns that attempting DIY asbestos removal can have serious health and financial consequences.
“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,” 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!” she advised.
