For decades, asbestos was hailed as a miracle material in construction. It’s exceptional fire resistance, durability, and insulation properties made it an indispensable component of countless buildings. From towering skyscrapers to humble homes, asbestos was everywhere.

Unfortunately, its legacy is now recognised as a silent killer. Asbestos fibers, microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, pose a severe health hazard when inhaled. Once lodged in the lungs, these fibers can cause a range of debilitating and often datal diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

This begs the question: what role does asbestos play in commercial buildings today, and what are the responsibilities of building owners in New Zealand?

The prevalence of asbestos in commercial properties

Commercial buildings constructed or renovated between the 1940s and the mid-1980s are highly likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This is because asbestos was extensively used in a variety of building components, including:

Flooring and ceiling tiles:

Vinyl tiles were a popular choice, and come contain asbestos fibers.

Wall and ceiling coatings:

Textured coatings like stucco and Artex might contain asbestos.

Partition walls:

Lightweight walls used for interior divisions could incorporate asbestos for fire resistance.

Insulation:

Lagging around pipes, sprayed insulation, and insulation boards often contained asbestos.

Fireproofing materials:

Fire doors, gaskets, and sealant materials might contain asbestos.

Other building elements:

Asbestos could also be found in roofing materials, gutters, downpipes, lift shafts, and electrical components.

The risks of asbestos exposure

When ACMs are damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibers become airborne. Inhaling these fibers can lead to serious health conditions, including:

Asbestosis, a progressive lung disease, develops as the body attempts to protect itself from the invading fibers, leading to scarring and inflammation. This scarring reduces lung capacity, making  breathing increasingly difficult.

Even more terrifying is mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer specifically linked to asbestos exposure. The combination of asbestos fibers and other carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, creates a deadly synergy that dramatically increases the risk of developing this devastating disease.

Lung cancer, a leading cause of death globally, is also significantly exacerbated by asbestos exposure. The combination of asbestos fibers and other carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, creates a deadly synergy that dramatically increases the risk of developing this devastating disease.

The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can be decades, making it challenging to connect symptoms to past exposure. This delay in diagnosis often means that diseases are detected at advanced stages, significantly impacting treatment outcomes.

Who is at risk?

• Those involved in demolition, renovation, or maintenance of older building are at high risk due to potential disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.

• People living or working in buildings with asbestos can be exposed if the material becomes damaged or disturbed.

• While the risk is lower, anyone can be exposed to asbestos if it is present in their environment.

Responsibilities of building owners in New Zealand

Building owners in New Zealand have a legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 to manage the risks associated with asbestos in their properties. This includes putting together an asbestos management plan. One of the most significant changes and the biggest effects on commercial properties has been the requirement of an asbestos management plan. What does one look like, and what does it include?

An asbestos management plan has to include the identification of asbestos (which a removal expert can help with), the procedure for incidents and emergencies relating to asbestos, and the responsibilities and roles of workers.

If there is any asbestos risk, then decisions and reasons for those decisions should feature in the plan, as should worker health monitoring, who those workers are, and any training and information about those workers. The worker, business, and building owner must all have a copy of the plan and know what’s outlined within.

Managing asbestos in your property

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can have an impact on your commercial property. But it doesn’t have to. By partnering with experienced asbestos professionals, property owners can take control of the situation. A comprehensive asbestos management plan is essential for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. This proactive approach not only safeguards the health and well-being of occupants but also protects the property’s value and ensures compliance with stringent regulations.

With expert guidance, property owners can make informed decisions asbestos removal. By taking decisive action, it’s possible to transform a potential liability into a manged risk, preserving the property’s value and creating a safe environment for everyone involved.

Taking action for a safer future

Asbestos remains a hidden danger in many New Zealand commercial buildings. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to manage them, building owners can protect the health and safety of everyone who uses their property.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Contact Chemcare today for a free consultation and discuss your asbestos management needs.