In this Section:
Asbestos Awareness
Asbestos Awareness Week
Australia has one of the highest incidences of asbestos related cancers in the world. Exposure to asbestos fibres is considered a major threat to the health of Australians in addition to the negative environmental impact dumped asbestos is having on the Australian bush and communities.
Currently in Australia, EVERY home built or renovated before the mid 1980’s is highly likely to contain asbestos. If left undisturbed it is considered generally not to be a risk to health. However, when disturbed during renovations and home maintenance, asbestos fibres are released into the air and when inhaled can cause life-threatening diseases including mesothelioma which is an incurable, terminal cancer.
In partnership with the internationally recognised Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, Asbestos Awareness Week is the initiative of the Asbestos Education Committee, established to promote education campaigns enabling the Australian public to learn about the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely, in and around the home, specifically when renovating.
Prior to asbestos being banned in Australia in 2003, those most affected by asbestos were asbestos miners and their families (first wave), followed by tradesman such as builders, plumbers and electricians and their families (second wave) exposed to fibres brought home on worker’s clothing.
With scientific studies demonstrating that current asbestos exposure is directly linked to DIY renovations, and with every Australian home built or renovated prior to 1985 likely to contain asbestos, the acknowledged ‘Third Wave’ of victims of asbestos related diseases are homeowners and families exposed during home renovations or maintenance.
If inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause life-threatening lung disease including mesothelioma, lung cancer. With a median gap of 40 years between exposure and diagnosis, and with the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma living for around 100 days after diagnosis, the importance of education about the dangers of asbestos to homeowners cannot be overstated.
Key Facts about Asbestos in the Home
- Every home built or renovated in the years leading up to 1985, is most likely to contain asbestos
- A conservative estimate is that 1 in 3 homes in Australia contains asbestos including homes constructed of brick
- If asbestos is undisturbed it does not pose a health risk
- Many Australians may unknowingly be putting their health and the health of their children, and neighbours at risk because they don’t really understand the dangers of working with asbestos or know where it might be found in and around their home
- During renovations or the demolition of homes containing asbestos, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and be inhaled leading to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma
- Not only homes constructed of fibro contain asbestos. Asbestos may be found in every room in the home. It may be behind wall and floor tiles, in walls, ceilings, under floor coverings including lino and carpet and around hot water systems
Featured Links
Top News Stories
-
Strathbogie Shire voting locations on Saturday 21st May, 2022 The Electorate of Nicholls voting locations: Nagambie Senior Citizens Centre358-360 ... -
Strathbogie Shire Council is transforming Jacobson’s Outlook in Nagambie and the old Gambles Nursery Site in Euroa into a winter wonderland this June.... -
We can see there is some confusion in our community about the corporate brand adopted at Tuesday night’s Council meeting. It’s an update, refresh or ... -
From hilarious comedians, line dancing, indoor bowls and so much more, Strathbogie Shire’s volunteers celebrated in style for National Volunteers Week... -
After months of undergoing refurbishments, the historical Euroa Community Cinema will re-open to the public with a special event planned to celebrate ... -
The streets of Avenel, Longwood and Euroa are set to receive a facelift with Stage 1 of Council’s Streetscape Renewal Program getting underway. Works... -
Construction on the $3.8 million project – the Nagambie Foreshore Walk - has begun with an anticipated completion date for later this year. Works wil... -
Our Euroa office is closed today, May 10 2022, due to COVID-19 staffing impacts. Remember, just because our doors are closed doesn't mean we'... -
Strathbogie Shire Council is recognising the community’s dedicated volunteers with events across the Shire. Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura ... -
Strathbogie Shire residents are being encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $5000 in Council’s 2022/23 Community Grants Program. The 2022/23 Commu... -
Community connection will be at the heart of Strathbogie Shire Council’s free songwriting workshop with acclaimed folk-music singer Lucy Wise at the e... -
An impressive new grader can be spotted on Strathbogie Shire’s gravel roads as the machinery joins the fleet to undertake Council’s Grading Program. ... -
From 1 May, 2022, Strathbogie Shire Council residents can access a one-off reimbursement to cover half the costs of cloth nappies and associated acces... -
Strathbogie Shire Council has ticked off 23 actions from its 2021/25 Council Plan, just a few months after its adoption. The Council Plan review was ... -
With the cooler weather well and truly arriving, Council is reminding the community the roadside firewood collection season is currently open. The Au... -
Cr Laura Binks says Strathbogie Shire Council is serious about mitigating against the risks that climate change pose for the social, economic, and env... -
Anzac Day events will be held throughout Strathbogie Shire to commemorate those who have served. Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks encou... -
A recently concluded feasibility study looking into introducing resale shops at Council’s Resource Recovery Centre’s (RRC) recommends the initial intr... -
Strathbogie Shire Council’s 2022/23 Draft Budget includes funding for 12 projects that were pitched by the community through Council’s innovative Pitc... -
Strathbogie Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its Draft Asset Plan which outlines how assets are managed in the municipality, including ...
Strathbogie Shire Council welcomes feedback from its residents and will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible.
Please contact us here
Keep in contact with us
If you would like to keep in contact with Council and stay up to date with the latest Council news, please register your details here.