Words: Louisa Poulios
Heavy rainfall and flooding across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales have damaged many homes and buildings, leaving some residents displaced and posing a considerable health risk for local areas.
Asbestos Education Committee‘s National Asbestos Awareness campaign ambassador Cherie Barber has cautioned residents who have been impacted by floods to remain on alert for any asbestos-related risks.
“When homes and other buildings containing asbestos are damaged or destroyed during floods, wind and storms, asbestos-containing materials can become eroded, disturbed, broken or friable causing a health risk to homeowners, property owners, property managers and the community if these materials aren’t managed correctly and disposed of safely,” Barber said.
“They should also contact their local council or emergency services for important information about asbestos, and if asbestos needs to be removed, people should only use professional licenced asbestos removalists because it’s not worth the risk.”
Construction with asbestos-contaminated materials
Prior to 1990, many residential houses and commercial buildings were manufactured with asbestos which can still be found in many brick, weatherboard, clad or fibro homes, including garages and sheds. Asbestos can be found in many forms like flat or corrugated sheets used for walls, ceilings and roofing as well as in pipes, floor tiles and electrical conduit.
Asbestos and Hazmat Removal Contractors Association of NSW president and Asbestos Education Committee member Bret Baker urged vigilance and safety during the aftermath of the cyclone.
“When storms and floods hit, whole buildings and even stockpiled asbestos-containing materials (particularly flat or corrugated sheeting commonly known as fibro) can be picked up by floodwaters and moved from one location to another,” Baker said.
“So, even if your home was built after 1990, it is possible that during floods, miscellaneous debris including asbestos-containing materials from elsewhere can end up on your property and pose a risk.”
This article first appeared on FM Media
