Asbestos Risks, Asbestos Health Risks in Auckland: A Guide for Homeowners
Asbestos is a health hazard, although the risk to you and your family is very low from short-term low-level exposure in the home. Asbestos creates a health risk only if it is disturbed or broken up and fibres are released into the air. Don’t expose yourself and your family to this risk.
Asbestos-related diseases generally occur in workers who have had heavy exposure over extended periods of time. Short-term high exposure can sometimes happen during home renovation or maintenance involving materials which contain asbestos. It is always best to avoid exposure as much as reasonably possible.
All types of asbestos fibres are known to cause serious health hazards in humans. There are a number of diseases that can be related to breathing in asbestos fibres, including:
- Asbestosis (scarring of lung tissues)
- Mesothelioma (malignant cancers developing around the linings of either the chest or the abdominal cavities)
- Lung cancer
- Pleural plaques (thickening of membranes around the lungs which may or may not lead to further disease, and leading to varying degrees of debilitation).
By using a certified contractor to remove and correctly dispose of the asbestos you can avoid the unnecessary danger of exposing your family to the risk.
Understanding Asbestos Risks and Controls for Homeowners in New Zealand
Asbestos is a material that was widely used in building construction for many years due to its strength, insulation properties, and resistance to fire. However, it's now known that asbestos can pose serious health risks when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. In New Zealand, many older homes contain asbestos, so it's important for homeowners to understand the risks and the necessary controls when dealing with asbestos.
The Risks of Asbestos
Asbestos becomes a health hazard when its fibers are released into the air and breathed in. Over time, inhaled asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases, including asbestosis (a scarring of the lung tissue) and various forms of cancer, most notably mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
The risk of asbestos exposure increases when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, such as during renovations, demolitions, or through wear and tear. It's crucial to note that asbestos-related diseases often take many years to develop after exposure.
Identifying Asbestos in Your Home
Before any renovation or demolition work, it's essential to identify any ACMs in your home. Asbestos was commonly used in New Zealand homes built or renovated before the mid-1980s. It can be found in a variety of materials, including roofing, siding, insulation, floor tiles, and textured ceilings.
If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, don't attempt to inspect or remove it yourself. Instead, hire a professional asbestos assessor who can safely take samples and confirm the presence of asbestos.
Controls and Safe Practices
- Hire Professionals: Always use licensed asbestos removalists for any work involving asbestos. They have the training, equipment, and certification to safely remove and dispose of asbestos materials.
- Avoid Disturbance: If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they may not pose a significant risk. Sometimes, the safest approach is to leave them undisturbed.
- Inform and Communicate: Inform any contractors or workers about the presence of asbestos in your home before they begin work. Clear communication can prevent accidental disturbance of ACMs.
- Legal Requirements and Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with New Zealand's regulations regarding asbestos management. The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 set out the requirements for managing and removing asbestos in workplaces, which also apply to residential properties during certain types of work.
- Preparation and Clean-up: Ensure that the area where asbestos removal will occur is adequately prepared and that there are procedures for the safe disposal of asbestos waste. After removal, the area should be thoroughly cleaned by professionals to eliminate any remaining asbestos fibers.
- Health Monitoring: If you have been exposed to asbestos, discuss this with your doctor, as they may recommend regular health checks to monitor for asbestos-related diseases.
Conclusion
Dealing with asbestos in your home requires careful consideration and adherence to safety protocols to prevent exposure to harmful fibers. By understanding the risks associated with asbestos, identifying its presence in your home, and following the necessary controls and legal requirements, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your family and any workers on your property. If in doubt, always consult with professionals and follow their advice on managing asbestos safely.
Asbestos Health Risks in Auckland: A Guide for Homeowners
Asbestos, once hailed for its versatility and resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical damage, is now known for its significant health risks. In Auckland, as in many parts of the world, the presence of asbestos in older homes poses a silent threat to homeowners and residents. Understanding these risks and knowing how to manage them is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of your family.
The Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that were extensively used in building materials until the late 20th century. If these materials are disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, leading to serious health issues. The most severe conditions associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest), and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.
Notably, the risk of developing these conditions depends on the concentration of asbestos fibers in the air and the duration of exposure. In Auckland, homes built or renovated before 2000 are more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Recognizing Asbestos in Your Home
ACMs were commonly used in roofing, insulation, flooring, and as a component of textured ceilings and walls. Identifying asbestos in your home isn't straightforward and requires professional assessment. If you suspect your home may contain asbestos, it's imperative not to disturb the material. Disturbance can release asbestos fibers into the air, increasing the risk of exposure.
The Importance of Professional Removal
For homeowners in Auckland facing the potential hazard of asbestos, engaging with certified removal experts like Safety 1st Removals Ltd is essential. As a leading company in the region, Safety 1st Removals Ltd specializes in safely removing asbestos, ensuring that the process is conducted with the utmost care to prevent exposure to harmful fibers.
In addition to removal, managing the broader spectrum of hazardous materials in renovation or demolition projects is crucial. Safety 1st Projects Ltd, a Hazardous Project Management company in Auckland, offers comprehensive solutions for handling asbestos and other hazardous substances. Their expertise not only lies in removal but also in project managing the entire process, ensuring that all aspects of the hazardous material management are covered, from assessment and removal to disposal and documentation, in compliance with local regulations.
Homeowner's Guide to Asbestos Management
If you're a homeowner in Auckland, taking proactive steps to manage asbestos risks is crucial:
- Identification: If your home was built or renovated before 2000, consider an asbestos assessment to identify any potential ACMs.
- Professional Help: Engage services like Safety 1st Removals Ltd for removal and Safety 1st Projects Ltd for comprehensive project management.
- Avoid Disturbance: Never attempt to remove or disturb suspected ACMs yourself. Asbestos removal requires specialized equipment and procedures.
- Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and guidelines on asbestos management, disposal, and renovation projects involving ACMs.
Conclusion
The health risks associated with asbestos in Auckland homes are significant but manageable with the right approach. By recognizing the potential presence of asbestos, employing professional removal services, and adhering to safety regulations, homeowners can effectively mitigate these risks, ensuring a safe living environment for themselves and their families. Safety 1st Removals Ltd and Safety 1st Projects Ltd stand at the forefront of asbestos management in Auckland, offering expertise and peace of mind to homeowners navigating the complexities of asbestos removal and hazardous project management.