The presence of asbestos in buildings can lead to subsequent exposure of residents or workers in the facility, putting them in danger of asbestos-related hazards. Asbestos was a popular construction material in older buildings when the material was used for panelling, insulation or fire protection in walling, piping and roofing; it is now banned from…
Asbestos was widely integrated into buildings throughout Australia up to the end of the 1980s. The material was phased out afterwards, but was not banned by the government until 2003. The reason for implementing the ban was health-related; the inhalation of asbestos fibres contributes to diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. School facilities, particularly…
Across the globe, there are laws and regulations for the proper removal and disposal of asbestos from buildings. In Australia, the law allows homeowners, in limited conditions, to remove asbestos from their homes without professional help. A provision in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations explains that removal of asbestos can be carried out by…
Before asbestos was regulated, it was the most widely used material in construction across the globe. When the negative health effects of asbestos were made known to the public, many homeowners feared the potential presence of asbestos in their homes. History of Asbestos in Australian Homes In the 1980s, Australia’s construction and building industry was…
An asbestos management plan raises several questions. Who should have one? What should be included? What if we share the building with other businesses? Here we answer these questions as well as give tips on how to structure an asbestos management plan. Who needs an asbestos management plan? Not all businesses require an asbestos management…
Asbestos fibres are dangerous to health if inhaled. The three main diseases associated with exposure to asbestos are asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos refers to fibrous silicate minerals that occur naturally in the environment. The three main types are chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite. Asbestos was a common component of manufacturing, industrial and construction projects…
In the 1950s, Australia was the highest consumer of asbestos, with every major city having an asbestos cement factory. A decade later, 25 percent of Australian houses were constructed with asbestos cement. Over 60 percent of production and 90 percent of consumption was through the asbestos manufacturing industry and residential building projects. In 1984, most…
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. It is a rare yet aggressive disease, and Australia is one of the countries in the world where mesothelioma cases plague the people most. On an average, there are thirty diagnoses per one million people with a predicted 5% to 10% increase…
A lot of people may wonder if they need to hire professionals to do asbestos survey. It actually depends. If you are sure that your house was built with materials that do not contain asbestos of any kind, then getting asbestos survey is not necessary. If you have no idea about the materials used to…
In Australia, those suffering because of exposure to asbestos can sue companies liable for their exposure. The last few decades have witnessed cases involving huge amounts of money in compensation for asbestos related illnesses, suffering, and death. According to Asbestos.com, James Hardie Industries, a company that manufactured asbestos products, built a Research and Compensation Foundation…