National Asbestos Awareness Week 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

23-29 November 2020 is National Asbestos Awareness Week.

National Asbestos Awareness Week reminds Australians to be asbestos aware before they start any work around the home. Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think.

“It is easy to forget that asbestos is still present in millions of Australian homes, but it's a fact that if a house was built or renovated before 1990, it probably has some asbestos,” said Justine Ross, CEO of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.

“Asbestos is not dangerous if it is in good condition and undisturbed. But it can be easily disturbed when doing renovations, home improvements and maintenance, and the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency is concerned to ensure that all Australians have the knowledge they need to stay safe.”

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of life-threatening diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 4,000 deaths a year. That’s three times the annual road toll. 

“We’ve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic that many Australians are using the extra time at home to do some home improvements and maintenance. But unfortunately, many of these Australians may not know that they need to be asbestos aware before they start work,” said Ms Ross.

Asbestos materials are still commonly found in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens as well as behind tiles and under flooring – especially lino.

“Research* shows that 1 in 5 DIYers have encountered asbestos, but only half sought any kind of professional help to deal with it.

“Additionally, a third admitted to disposing of the asbestos improperly – including in their own household bin or in a neighbour’s bin,” said Ms Ross.  

“Just like plumbing and electrical work, asbestos removal – or jobs around the home that might uncover asbestos - are jobs best left to the experts.”

“This Asbestos Awareness Week we are working to make sure Australians know the health risk, are aware of where asbestos might be found before starting work and are encouraged to call a professional for help.”

Be aware: Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think.

Find out more about how you can stay safe, see the agency’s Asbestos Safety for householders and home renovators brochure here. 

 

*Research conducted by Newgate Research on behalf of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency. Report available at www.asbestossafety.gov.au