Since the use of asbestos was banned entirely in 2003 due to its toxicity, its been an issue that we see with regards to the sale, renovation and leasing of many properties.
Generally if you find asbestos it’s not going to be the end of the world, but we see many people blowing the issue out of proportion so we thought, coming from a unique position in the real estate industry that we’d share our thoughts.
For those of us who love a definition, Wikipedia tells us that asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for their desirable physical properties. Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, its resistance to fire, heat electrical and chemical damage, and affordability. Unfortunately what followed in the early 1900s was asbestos related illness in asbestos mining towns. Then, in Australia in the 1970s and 80s asbestos use was phased out before being banned entirely in 2003.
According to the Asbestos Industry Association, asbestos is now recognised as a carcinogen but is only harmful when extremely fine particles become airborne and are inhaled. The presence of asbestos materials in a building does not necessarily denote a health risk. While the materials are undisturbed and in sound condition, they will not generate airborne respirable fibers or create a health risk.
Right so we’re safe then! However sometimes it’s best to seek expert advice with regards to any asbestos you find on your property / building before making a decision about whether to leave or remove it.
We spoke to Paul Harris, the Director of Asbestos Man Pty Ltd, an asbestos removal company who have been in business in Brisbane for around the last eight years, to get his advice on all things asbestos!
Paul told us that he does come across some bad cases of asbestos in his line of work. He told us that people may pull up the old vinyl flooring in the kitchen and this product may have had asbestos in it and then this product would be classified as friable and requires an A class asbestos removalist.
When asked if the number of asbestos cases he sees have increased or decreased over the years Paul said that the number is pretty consistent. The reason for this is that people don’t realise what products contain asbestos and furthermore they don’t really want to pay the money required to get a professional in to deal with it.
The most common occurrences of asbestos Paul comes across are when people renovating their homes require the asbestos wall and ceiling sheeting removed.
Paul confirmed for us that there are instances where asbestos is easy to remove such as a property that has sheeting at the bottom of fences or garden edges that is fairly easy to remove with minimal risk. However if there is an instance where you (or a professional service) can’t get rid of the asbestos it should be left in tact and if possible painted and left alone.
He advised that if you want to find out whether you have asbestos in your home or property that you should get the product tested at a Nata approved laboratory to find out whether the product contains asbestos. There are companies that can come out and take the samples for you if you require. Then once you have confirmed the presence of asbestos that its best to get in a professional to deal with it or alternatively complete a course themselves that gives them the skills to complete the work. Asbestos Man Pty Ltd offer both removal services and pick up / disposal services within Brisbane.
Paul also confirmed for us that the laws in QLD state that the homeowner can remove up to 10m2 of bonded asbestos themselves if they follow the safety requirements. Once you go over the 10m2 you must hold a licence to complete this work. The Brisbane City Council transfer stations do not accept asbestos and it is against the law to place it in your wheelie bins. Asbestos Man Pty Ltd can help with both the removal and safe disposal of asbestos products.
Having worked with the Asbestos Man Pty Ltd over the years at Ray White Nundah we really do advise that you think about the safety of yourself and your family when dealing with asbestos.
Sources: Asbestos Industry Association (AIA) www.asbestosindustre.asn.au
Paul Harris – Director – Asbestos Man http://www.asbestosman.net.au
Wikipedia – Asbestos
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