Asbestos cement sheets being removed from a
property prior to renovation.

Archicentre conducts over 20,000 pre-purchase house inspections and renovation design concepts each year and is aware of the wide scale presence of asbestos in residential properties.

Mr. Tanton said that Archicentre's inspections indicated the presence of asbestos cement sheets in the eaves of most houses and behind wall and ceiling tiles as well as the commonly known areas of wall linings and roofing. Older garden sheds are often made entirely of asbestos cement sheeting. Asbestos can also be present in vinyl tiles and some painted surfaces.

"The real risk of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust occurs with the demolition of walls or roofs, during renovation of a property, drilling or cutting of products containing asbestos.

"Our real concern is that with the increase of DIY renovations, people may not recognise the extreme health risks involved for home owners and their families of the diseases which can be caused by asbestos dust.

"These include asbestosis (a progressive, fibrotic lung disease causing increasing breathlessness), lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the covering of the lungs or, less often, the lining of the abdominal cavity and the covering of abdominal organs).

"These diseases can occur many years after the exposure to asbestos dust has ceased, but the likelihood of a person contracting an asbestos-related disease increases as the intensity and duration of the exposure increases."

Mr. Tanton said that provided asbestos-cement products used in the construction of houses are not being disturbed the health of the occupants of the house is not at risk. If the asbestos sheeting is in good condition, it can be painted so as to limit the breakdown of the surface and release of fibres.

Asbestos cement sheets being
carried to be wrapped in plastic.

Asbestos material being wrapped in plastic and taped securely before being placed in the plastic lined bin for disposal by the licensed contractors.

"Asbestos sheeting should always be removed by a specialist contractor who will also arrange for its disposal in a landfill registered to take asbestos materials."

Mr. Tanton also warned home owners not to walk on corrugated asbestos cement roofs. "These are almost without exception extremely brittle with age and are likely to shatter under foot, releasing asbestos dust and possibly resulting in the home owner falling right through. This is one area of the house where Archicentre recommends immediate removal and replacement with a more durable material.

"Houses containing asbestos products damaged by storms and floods can also present a health and safety issue during clean ups and people should get professional advice on the removal of asbestos products."

Brisbane City Council has established an asbestos collection service for homeowners whose properties had been damaged by recent storms or floodwater - the Council had clearly recognised the issue. This is a practice that should be followed by all councils in clean ups after major disasters, Mr Tanton added.

www.archicentre.com.au