What materials contain asbestos?

Asbestos was used in more that 3,000 products. Examples (not exclusive): Air conditioning ducts, ceiling tiles, asbestos-cement electrical fuse boars, bitumen-based water proofing such as malthoid or roofs, floors and brickwork, roof tiles, cement render, oven door seals, compressed asbestos used in brakes and gaskets, compressed asbestos panels for floorings, verandas and demountable buildings, electric heat banks, flexible hoses, fire door insulation, fire blankets, beverage and wine filters, insulation around the heating elements in hair dryers, lift shafts, limpet asbestos spray insulation, mill board, cement sheets, pipe insulation, plaster and plaster cornice adhesion, spray insulation – acoustic wall and ceiling, spray insulation – beams and slabs, woven asbestos cabling and other products.[i]

Last week I was exposed to asbestos dust, what can I do?

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do. There is a long time delay (10 – 70 years) between exposure and the onset of disease symptoms. An X-ray will not show any changes due to your recent exposure. Fortunately not everyone exposed to asbestos will go on to develop an asbestos-related disease. If the information provided here is not reassuring, please discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Is there a safe level of expose to asbestos?

No. World Health Organization (WHO) states there is no established safe level of exposure to asbestos.

I worked with asbestos 29 years ago. Could I be at risk of developing an asbestos related disease (ARD)?

Yes. The risk of developing an asbestos related disease is cumulative, the greater your exposure the higher your risk. The average time from exposure to on set of disease is 41.2 years (range 10-70 years).

I worked with asbestos in the course of my employment more than 10 years. Where can I go to get tested?

Yes. If you were employed in NSW, you can contact the Workers’ Compensation Dust Diseases Board of NSW (known as the DDB) and ask to be screened. Phone (Toll free) 1800 550 027.

What should I do if I find asbestos in my home?

If the materials-containing asbestos are in good condition and are intact (undamaged and undisturbed) they are perfectly safe. If left undisturbed asbestos does not pose a risk for people using the building. On the other hand, if the MCA have been damaged by weathering, such as asbestos cement asbestos roof tiles, it is not safe because the fibres are no longer contained and could become airborne.

Can I drill into bonded material containing asbestos?

Yes. If you follow the recommended safety procedures to reduce the generation of dust as detailed below:

Drilling into vertical surface [iii]

1. Tape the point to be drilled and the exit point (if possible)
2. Cover the drill entry and exit points (if accessible) on the asbestos sheet with generous amount of thickened substance (wall paper paste or shaving cream are ideal)
3. Drill through the paste into the wall
4. If a cable is to be passed through the wall, insert sleeve to protect the inner edge of the hole.

For further information on drilling overhead horizontal surfaces, please refer to relevant OH&S Work Safety procedures.

Can I safely seal my asbestos roof?

Yes. There a number of products on the market. The Fibroseal System for example, provides builders with a reliable, proven alternative to roof replacement. For more information go to: www.metro-asbestosencapsulators.com.au

I am planning to do home renovation iof less than 10 sq metres and I think the materials contain asbestos. What do I need to know?

You need to know the following things before every job involving the removal of materials containing asbestos[iv]

Steps to minimize the generation of dust

1. Plan the job in advance.
2. Consider employing a licenced person to remove the asbestos.
3. If you think the material contains asbestos (MCA) treat it as asbestos until you know otherwise.
4. You can not tell if the material conatian asbestos by looking at it. Get the material tested by a licensed professional.
5. Find out if removal is the best option – Other options to consider are sealing or encapsulation.
6. Check with your local Council to see if you need council approval to remove MCA.
7. Plan how best to to dispose of the asbestos waste and arrange to do so promptly.
8. Think of your family and neighbours. Warn people in the immediate area, including neighbours, and keep children and pets away from the area where you are working.
9. Protect yourself. Wear properly-fitted and approved dust mask or respirator (e.g. P1 or P2) in accordance with Australian Safety Standards. Wear disposable coveralls and dispose after one use.
10. NEVER use power tools.
11. Shut down heating and cooling systems to minimize the spread of released fibres.
12. Where possible work outside or in areas with ample ventilation. If you can, open the window where you are working indoors.
13. Wet down the area to minimize the generation of dust.
14. Never dry sweep or use household vacuum cleaner to clean up asbestos dust (fine asbestos particles remain trapped inside the vacuum filter).

Am I more at risk of developing an asbestos related disease if I smoke and have history of working with asbestos.

Yes. Epidemiological studies show smoking and exposure to asbestos interact. Smokers have increased risk of developing lung cancers than people who do not smoke. Age-standardized lung cancer death rates for people who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos are exceedingly high. If you smoke and work with asbestos your risk of developing lung cancer is 50 times greater than a non smokers. You are strongly advised to give up smoking.[v]

What are the signs and symptoms of asbestos related diseases?

The most common symptom is progressive shortness of breath. Other symptoms include mild to moderate chest pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Right heart failure associated with respiratory embarrassment and respiratory failure can occur as disease progresses.

I want to demolish a shed lined with material containing asbestos. What do I need to know?

If the shed is more than 10 sq2 metres you must use a licensed contractor to demolish and remove the material containing asbestos. Check with your local council as to your councils requirements.

Note: Contact WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50 to check the asbestos contractor of your choice holds the appropriate asbestos removal licence.

Where can I find a licensed asbestos contractor?

Refer to yellow pages www.yellowpages.com.au under “asbestos hygienist”

My mate said he removed asbestos, didn’t use a mask and didn’t get sick. Is it OK not to use a mask?

No. If your mate worked with asbestos without protection, your mate has an increased his risk of developing an asbestos related disease in the future. Unlike a cold, you will not develop symptoms of an asbestos related disease until many years after inital exposure.Remember there is no cure for asbestos related diseases. Preventing exposure is the only management available.

Where can I get more information?

1. Your local medical practitioner
2. Your local council. Enquiries or complaints regarding removal or disposal of asbestos in your area.
3. Contact Department of Human Services (Environmental Health Unit) to obtain copy of the booklet, “Asbestos in the home”. Tel. (03) 9637 4156
4. WorkCover NSW – For information on asbestos in the workplace and licensed asbestos removals. Tel. 13 10 50. www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
5. NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) for information. Tel. 02 9995 5000. www.environment.nsw.gov.au
6. Environment Protection Authority Victoria – For enquiries about correct disposal of materials containing asbestos in Victoria. Tel (03) 9695 2722 or www.epa.vic.gov.au
7. Contact the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia Inc. Free call 1800 006 196 www.adfa.org.au
8. Go to the Think Asbestos website if you are planning to undertake home renovations. www.thinkasbestos.com.au

References[i] Commonwealth of Australia (2005) Appendix 1[ii] HEALTH (2005)[iii] Queensland Health (2007)[iv] Ibid. [v] Beaglehole et al (1993), page 9