Highest rates of asbestos related diseases
Did you know Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos related diseases in the world? Australia has also been ranked among the top consumers of asbestos cement products per capita in the world.
The number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma as a direct result of exposure to asbestos during home renovations is continuing to rise so the need for ALL Australians to take the warnings seriously to protect themselves and their families, is vital.
With almost every Australian home built or renovated before the 1990s likely to contain asbestos in one form or another; the third wave of people affected by mesothelioma (an incurable asbestos-related cancer) and other serious asbestos-related diseases will continue to rise unless Australians start taking seriously the dangers of asbestos when renovating or maintaining their homes.
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, dog kennels and backyard sheds – it could be anywhere.
If you are thinking about renovating, you must be aware of asbestos. It is important for home owners and renovators to be aware of how to safely manage asbestos in and around the home.
Importantly, if you suspect you have asbestos in your home, Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do… Don’t dump it!
For more information about the dangers of asbestos when renovating, please visit https://www.adss.org.au
The Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society Qld Inc. (QARDSS) is again hosting a free community event in Brisbane.
