Around 170 people die each year in New Zealand from asbestos-related diseases.
Exposure to asbestos dust can cause serious health issues including various forms of cancer such as lung, larynx, and ovarian cancers.
To put it into some form of perspective, multiple asbestos fibres are finer than one human hair and because it is so fine, it can stay in the air for a long time before settling.
Asbestos in a good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to pose a health risk and doesn’t need to be removed.
There is no safe level for asbestos exposure, but if proper precautions are taken, the health risks are relatively low.
If asbestos is present NEVER cut it, drill it, sand it, scrape it, scrub it, waterblast it, or demolish it, unless you have had asbestos awareness training.
If any asbestos is removed, always dispose of it correctly - NEVER dump it or put it out with other building or residential rubbish.
If you accidentally damage or uncover asbestos - stop work immediately, keep people away, minimise the spread of contamination and get advice on what to do next.
Never use high pressure water spray, compressed air or power tools on asbestos or suspected asbestos materials.
Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with asbestos materials.
Asbestos removal under 10 square metres should be done by a competent person who has had appropriate asbestos awareness training.
All asbestos removal work over 10 square metres must be done by either a Class A or Class B licensed company.
All friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.
Dealing with asbestos is important and serious - but is manageable and should not be overwhelming.