Tenterfield Shire Council is promoting National Asbestos Awareness Week, November 26-30 – the first line of defence against the ‘third wave’ of asbestos-related cancers in our community.
Tenterfield Shire Council has partnered with the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) as part of a week-long national campaign created to be the first line of defence against the ‘third wave’ of asbestos related diseases caused by inhaling asbestos fibres while renovating or maintaining homes.
“Don’t play Renovation Roulette!” That’s the message the Tenterfield Shire Council, the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute and the Asbestos Education Committee is sending to all Australians during the National Asbestos Awareness Week.
Mayor Peter Petty said that he is very pleased to see Council’s commitment to the Asbestos Awareness Week which is aimed at raising the community’s knowledge of the dangers of asbestos.
The Mayor also stated that Council and the community have faced significant issues in relation to asbestos since the fire at the Waste Transfer Station and the detection of asbestos in the mulch earlier this year. These issues have highlighted the dangers posed by asbestos and the need for everyone to take the necessary precautions and dispose of asbestos in a responsible manner and not to place others in harm’s way due to reckless illegal dumping of asbestos.
Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos related diseases in the world, most likely because Australia has also been ranked among the top consumers of asbestos cement products per capita.
With almost every home built or renovated before the mid-1980s likely to contain asbestos in one form or another; the third wave of people affected by mesothelioma, one of the asbestos-related diseases, has recently become evident and will continue to rise unless Australians start taking seriously the dangers of asbestos when renovating or maintaining their homes.
In the past, those affected by asbestos related diseases were exposed to raw fibres in the mining and manufacturing process (first wave) followed by workers who used asbestos products in the workplace (second wave). The ‘third wave’ of asbestos-related diseases predominantly affect people exposed to fibres during home renovations and maintenance, specifically handymen and DIYers as well as family members present at the time.
“Before commencing any home maintenance or renovation work, homeowners and renovators, particularly young couples and first home buyers excited about renovating their homes, need to learn about where they might find asbestos in the home and how best to manage it so they can protect themselves and their families from asbestos fibres.
“We want Australians to stop being complacent about how they work with asbestos. We want them to start thinking smart and safe by visiting www.asbestosawareness.com.au/ for information on managing asbestos in and around the home because it’s not worth the risk.”
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