Asbestos still present in one in three Australian homes

ASBESTOS Awareness Week runs from 24 to 30 November, with authorities urging homeowners to understand the risks before starting renovations.

If a home was built or renovated before 1990, it may contain asbestos in walls, ceilings, roofs and a wide range of older building products including vinyl flooring, adhesives, paints, textured coatings and insulation. Asbestos cannot be identified by sight alone, and becomes dangerous when damaged, disturbed or deteriorated.

About 4,000 people a year still die from asbestos-related diseases in Australia.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and assume asbestos may be present if they do not know the history of their home. Anyone who thinks they may have asbestos should avoid disturbing it until it has been tested.

All Northern Rivers councils offer subsidised Household Asbestos Testing (HAT) kits, which include instructions on taking safe samples and sending them to an accredited laboratory. If asbestos is confirmed and needs removal, licensed professionals should be contacted to carry out the work.

It is illegal and unsafe to dispose of asbestos in household or commercial bins, and heavy fines apply. Asbestos waste must be taken to a landfill licensed to receive it.

More information on testing, disposal and HAT kits is available from local councils or at newaste.org.au/asbestos. Further asbestos safety information can be found at asbestos.nsw.gov.au.

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