MidCoast Council is supporting National Asbestos Awareness Month this November and is urging residents to avoid becoming part of the ‘third wave’ of asbestos related diseases caused by inhaling asbestos fibres while renovating or maintaining homes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
To help raise asbestos awareness, council will be attending a FREE morning tea hosted by Bunnings Warehouse, Forster on Tuesday November 8 from 9am-11am. Everyone's invited to come along to enjoy a 'blue lamington' and a cuppa and learn more about safe handling and disposal of asbestos.
With almost every home built or renovated before the mid-1980s likely to contain asbestos in one form or another, the third wave of people affected by mesothelioma, one of the asbestos-related diseases, has recently become evident and will continue to rise unless Australians start taking seriously the dangers of asbestos when renovating or maintaining their homes.
"There are many older homes in the Manning Valley where asbestos will be encountered during renovations or demolition. Outbuildings and gardens may also contain asbestos and builders and renovators need to be aware of this important message" council's manager of waste, health and regulatory services, John Cavanagh said.
Those needing to dispose of asbestos locally can do so at The Bucketts Way Landfill at 6843 The Bucketts Way, Tinonee.
Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos related diseases in the world most likely because Australia has also been ranked among the top consumers of asbestos cement products per capita.
If left undisturbed asbestos generally does not pose a health risk. However, with DIY renovations on the increase, if you are considering doing renovations or home maintenance, visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au to learn where asbestos can be found in the home and how best to manage it.
Most people can’t tell whether building materials contain asbestos just by looking at them.
Asbestos can be under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings, eaves, garages, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, outdoor toilets and backyard sheds – it could be anywhere.
Don’t play renovation roulette, think smart, think safe, think www.asbestosawareness.com.au – it’s not worth the risk!
