This year marks the 20th anniversary of Australia’s complete ban of asbestos which took effect on 31 December 2003.
However, asbestos still exists in millions of buildings and structures across Australia. It is estimated that around 6.2 million tonnes of asbestos materials remain in our built environment and asbestos is in one in three homes.
This means that the risk of being exposed to deadly asbestos fibres is not over – all asbestos materials are dangerous if they are damaged, disturbed or deteriorating.
Asbestos materials that are still in place are now between 30 to over 100 years old and degrading, which increases the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne and being inhaled. If your home was built before 1990, asbestos could still be found anywhere inside or outside the house, and it is now decades old.
Another concern is that extreme weather and disasters such as floods and fires are unfortunately becoming more common.
The damage and destruction caused by these events increase the risk of asbestos exposure and contamination of the environment, requiring expensive cleanup and remediation of properties before rebuilding can begin.
Hidden reno dangers
It is important to think twice about asbestos when planning any renovations and to prioritise its safe removal.
It is not recommended that you handle, remove, or dispose of asbestos yourself. It is easier, safer and often cheaper to get a professional to do the job for you. They will usually include the cost of disposing of the asbestos waste legally at an approved facility with the cost of removal.
Bayside City Council is one of hundreds of local councils working to protect our community from asbestos exposure.
