Elise Archer,Minister for Building and Construction
Do-it-yourself (DIY) renovators are being reminded to be asbestos aware this National Asbestos Awareness Week, which commences tomorrow, 23 November and runs to 29 November 2020.
This year’s theme is ‘Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think’ and reminds Australians to make sure asbestos check forms are part of their DIY checklist.
DIY renovations have become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Australians using the extra time at home to do some home improvements and maintenance.
Research shows that one in five DIYers have encountered asbestos, but only half sought any kind of professional help to deal with it.
Asbestos can be easily disturbed when doing building renovations, home improvements and maintenance.
Asbestos becomes a health risk when its fibres are released into the air and breathed in. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 4,000 deaths a year.
