National Asbestos Awareness week launched 22 November 2021 and this year, you’re asked to Think Twice About Asbestos.
Asbestos can cancer and is still in 1 in 3 Aussie homes. We want you to challenge complacency by reminding yourself, whether you are a homeowner, renovator and/or a tradesperson that the danger of asbestos is far from over.
Every year in Australia, there are an estimated 4,000 deaths from past exposure to asbestos. On average, one person dies every 12 hours from the terminal cancer, mesothelioma.
Used in over 3000 products across industries, asbestos can be found in many locations including external and internal walls, bathrooms, toilets and laundries, kitchens, roofs, fences, and garages. Don’t risk your life or the lives of those around you by disturbing asbestos.
Before you start any work around the house, check if your home was built or renovated before 1990. If so, it is highly likely to contain asbestos. To stay safe, follow these simple steps.
- Get in the know.
Find out whether your home was built or renovated before 1990. - Take it slow.
Don’t damage or disturb asbestos materials. This can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air. - Get a pro.
Know your limits. Contact a licensed asbestos professional for advice on where it’s located, and how to manage or remove it.
Find out more about asbestos and where you can find it around the home here:
For trades, find out more via these links:
If you are interested in spreading the asbestos safety message, you can access a stakeholder’s pack of content to share and promote in your workplace or community here.
If you have any questions or require additional resources, please email info@reflections.org.au
