Spring is right around the corner in New Zealand. As the weather warms, many gardeners are eager to get outside, till the soil, plant new seeds, and prepare their outdoor spaces for another season of growth. However, while spring signals new beginnings, it can also hide potential dangers – namely, asbestos lurking in the soil. This hidden hazard poses significant health risks, especially in older residential areas or properties with a history of construction work.

At Chemcare, an asbestos removal company based in New Zealand, we understand the importance of protecting both the environment and the people who live and work within it. Our goal is to raise awareness among gardeners about the risk of asbestos in soil and provide guidance on how to identify, manage, and remove this hazardous material safely.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibres that were widely used in building materials throughout the 20th century due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulation properties. For decades, asbestos was incorporated into various construction materials such as roofing, insulation, pipes, and cement products. However, its fibrous nature also makes it dangerous when inhaled or ingested, as asbestos fibres can become lodged in the lungs, leading to severe health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

How asbestos ends up in soil

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are most commonly found in buildings constructed before the 1990s in New Zealand. When these materials deteriorate, are damaged during renovations, or are improperly disposed of, asbestos fibres can break apart and disperse into the environment. In some cases, asbestos waste was buried directly on-site during construction or demolition, unknowingly contaminating the soil. The contaminated soil can pose a health risk to anyone who disturbs it, including gardeners who dig, plant, or work on land.

It's easy to overlook the possibility of asbestos contamination, particularly in areas that may appear visually safe or have been untouched for years. However, spring gardening can inadvertently release asbestos fibres into the air, leading to potential exposure for you, your family, and even your neighbours.

The risks of asbestos in garden soil

For gardeners, the risks associated with asbestos in soil are often underestimated. Unlike asbestos inside a building, where the risks are clearer due to visible insulation or roofing materials, asbestos in the soil can go unnoticed. Yet, when the soil is disturbed – whether through digging, tiling, or landscaping – any asbestos fibres present can become airborne.

Common sources of asbestos in garden soil include:

• Old sheds or outbuildings:

These structures may have been built with asbestos-containing materials that have since deteriorated.

• Renovation debris:

Leftover construction waste from renovations or demolition, particularly if asbestos wasn’t removed property, may have been buried in the ground.

• Soil Transportation:

In some cases, contaminated soil may have been imported to properties, unknowingly bringing asbestos particles with it.

Signs your garden may be at risk

While asbestos is not visible to the naked eye, certain indicators may suggest that your garden soil could be contaminated:

The presence of old building materials:

If your property has old structures, such as sheds, barns, or homes built before the 1990s, especially if renovations were done without proper asbestos removal, there is a possibility that asbestos may be present in the soil

Previous demolition work:

Properties that have undergone demolition without thorough asbestos checks may have leftover asbestos-containing materials in the soil.

Unusual waste disposal:

In earlier decades, construction waste, including asbestos, was often buried on-site rather than properly disposed of. Unearthed debris particularly old concrete, insulation, or sheeting may contain asbestos fibres.

How to protect yourself and your garden

If you suspect that your garden soil may be contaminated with asbestos, taking the following precautions can help safeguard your health:

1. Avoid disturbing the soil – until you have confirmed it is free from asbestos. Refrain from digging, tiling, or planting in areas of concern.

2. Contact a professional asbestos removal company, such as Chemcare, for an assessment. We have the expertise and equipment to safely test the soil for asbestos and remove any contamination.

3. Wear protective gear if you must work in a potentially contaminated area. Use a high-quality dust mask, gloves, and long sleeves to limit your exposure to airborne particles.

4. Do not attempt to remove asbestos yourself. Handling asbestos without proper training and safety equipment can lead to serious health risks. Instead, hire a certified professional like Chemcare to handle any asbestos removal.

5. Check the history of your property, if you live in an older home, particularly one built before the 1990s, research whether any asbestos-containing materials were used in its construction.

Testing and removing asbestos-contaminated soil

Professional testing is crucial if you’re concerned about asbestos in your home or garden. At Chemcare, our certified asbestos removal specialists can conduct a thorough inspection of your property to determine whether asbestos fibres are present in the soil.

Once asbestos is confirmed, the contaminated soil must be safely removed. This process typically involved isolating the affected area, using special equipment to extract the contaminated soil, and properly disposing of it at an authorised facility. Removing asbestos from soil requires specialised knowledge, training, and compliance with New Zealand’s asbestos regulations.

At Chemcare, we’re committed to keeping New Zealand safe by providing expert asbestos testing and removal services. If you’re concerned about asbestos in your garden soil, contact us today for a professional assessment and ensure your outdoor spaces remain safe and healthy for years to come