What happens if asbestos is found in my house?

Asbestos is a hazardous material and must be handled properly

Asbestos can cause serious health risks if it's not managed correctly. If your house was built before the 80s there is a very good chance it has asbestos hidden in the cement, floor tiles, insulation, walls, ceiling, and pipes, as it was widely used for decades as an insulation material. More and more people are buying older homes and renovating them as you can completely remodel a house and make it into the dream home you have always wanted. It's generally during the renovation that asbestos is found. Fortunately, in the 90s asbestos was identified as a dangerous material, and any homes that were built in that era and thereafter do not contact asbestos in any way, shape, or form.

Where can asbestos be found in an older house?;

Cement asbestos board sidings/ under sheeting
Asbestos roofing felt for shingles
Some vinyl floor tiles
Texture paint
Asbestos-containing vermiculite insulation

Diagram of asbestos locations in a house

How dangerous is asbestos?

Asbestos can cause serious health problems, if you unknowingly disturb it you are at risk of contaminating the air you and your family breathe with toxic asbestos fibers. Medical studies have shown a direct link to lung cancer, ( mesothelioma) asbestosis, and other respiratory illnesses from exposure to asbestos. If it is present in your house, the most important thing to do is find a reputable company that specializes in asbestos removal. They can safely remove and dispose of any traces of asbestos from your home.

Who can remove asbestos from my home?

If you own an older home, it's imperative you take every precaution to avoid damaging materials that may contain asbestos. Once it is determined that you have this dangerous material in your home and it needs to be removed, hiring a reputable, experienced professional is essential as proper identification and safe removal require special training and equipment that meets industry standards. An asbestos removal company will also ensure proper disposal following applicable laws and regulations, and with their help, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the hazardous materials have been properly and efficiently removed from your living space so that you and your family are safe.

Key points to remember:

If your house was built before 1990, it's very likely that it contains asbestos
Asbestos is most commonly found in the bathroom
Avoid inhaling asbestos fibers at all costs
Get a hazardous materials audit before your start work or call a tradesman
Do not break or drill asbestos
If there is asbestos, consider calling in a licensed professional

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If you have any questions or concerns about asbestos in your home, Symcorp Building Services can answer any questions and guide you to the best course of action. Call one of our team on 07 5558 3812

Reference

https://www.realestate.com.au/advice/how-to-deal-with-asbestos/

Builders & Renovations FAQs