Residents have been asked to ‘think twice about asbestos’ in a new campaign launched during National Asbestos Awareness Week (November 22 to 28) aimed at challenging complacency when renovating.
Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, warned that in homes built before 1990, asbestos can be found in any room of the home, affecting one in three Australian homes.
“Asbestos is still causing cancer in Australians,” Wicks said.
“Every year in Australia, there are an estimated 4,000 deaths from past exposure to asbestos, including approximately 700 from mesothelioma.
“That’s one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world.
“Whether it is DIYers doing small or large jobs around the house, or tradies on a residential worksite, there’s dangers of damaged, disturbed or deteriorating asbestos.
“By preventing exposure to asbestos fibres, asbestos-related diseases can be eliminated.”
People working on homes built before 1990 can stay safe if they know where asbestos is, if they don’t disturb or damage it, and if they seek professional help to locate, manage or remove it.
The National Asbestos Awareness Week campaign promotes the role of licensed asbestos professionals for both home renovators and tradespeople.
Tradies need to call a licensed asbestos professional if they don’t have the equipment, skills, training or licence to handle asbestos.
More information is available at asbestossafety.gov.au/naaw-2021
Source:
Media release, Nov 22
Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks