By Jessica Anstice
An estimated 60 percent of homes in Baw Baw Shire have asbestos materials, new data from the council revealed.
It is easy to forget that asbestos is still present in millions of Australian homes, but it’s a fact that if a house was built or renovated before 1990, there’s a good chance it has some asbestos.
Asbestos can be easily disturbed when doing renovations, home improvements and maintenance.
National Asbestos Awareness Week 2020 reminds residents to be asbestos aware before they start any work around the home.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of life-threatening diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 4000 deaths a year.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, local residents have increased their love of DIY and are using the extra time at home to do some home improvements and maintenance.
But what they may not know is that this work could be putting their health or someone else’s health at risk.
Asbestos materials are still commonly found in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens as well as behind tiles and under flooring.
“We’re encouraging Baw Baw Shire residents to make sure an asbestos check forms part of their DIY checklist before they start their home improvements,” Baw Baw Shire mayor Danny Goss said.
“Just like plumbing of electrical work, asbestos removal – or jobs around the home that might uncover asbestos – are jobs best left to the experts.”
Research shows that one in five DIYers have encountered asbestos, but only half sought any kind of professional help to deal with it.
Additionally, a third admitted to disposing of the asbestos improperly – including in their own house¬hold bin or in a neighbour’s bin.
