Is There Asbestos Next Door?
Most Kiwis have resigned themselves to the fact that their pre-2000s homes may contain asbestos. We can all take steps to keep ourselves safe by having trained and qualified experts remove asbestos-containing materials during renovation projects or encapsulating them if removal is not a suitable option.
However, what we can’t do is control what our neighbours do with their properties. When asbestos is friable, it poses a risk to both the homeowners and possibly even surrounding houses. What are your rights? And do you have any?
When Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos is dangerous when the materials it’s contained within are damaged. This damage might occur through wear and tear, accidental or intentional damage, or even fire. Once the materials like cladding, roofing, or vinyl are damaged in some way, asbestos fibres can make their way into the air, which unsuspecting homeowners and visitors can then inhale.
There is no ‘safe’ level of asbestos to inhale, which means anyone can be at risk of potentially fatal conditions like asbestos and mesothelioma decades later after the exposure event. This is why many homeowners and business owners choose to have asbestos removal companies test for and remove asbestos materials once they pose a potential safety risk.
What to Do When Your Neighbour’s Property Contains Asbestos
If neighbouring properties contain asbestos, the condition of that asbestos may determine your next course of action. If you recognise it as asbestos, such as Super Six roofing, but it’s in excellent condition, you don’t need to do anything.
However, if asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are in a state of disrepair and you believe your health could be at risk because of it, you may have a couple of options to consider.
1. Approach the Owner
Not everyone is aware of the dangers of asbestos or what materials in the home could contain asbestos. If you feel safe approaching a neighbouring property owner, you may be able to alert them to the potential dangers lurking on their property, enlightening them about something they were unaware of.
To them, their cracked and crumbling asbestos sheeting garage may be in a state of disrepair, but they may not be aware that it could be putting other property owners at risk of asbestos exposure. You may just get the ball rolling for them to take action themselves.
2. Talk to the Council
If you don’t feel comfortable approaching a neighbor, they have not taken your concerns on board, tenants occupy the property, or no one lives at the address, you can contact your local council for advice. As houses are private property, they are the responsibility of the owner, but your council may be able to contact the owner to discuss the risks with them.
If an owner can’t be found or is deceased, the council may try to find next of kin. Their stance is that unless asbestos is a public health risk, they can’t get involved. If it is deemed a public health risk, regional councils have responsibilities under the Resource Management Act to control contaminants discharged into the air. If the property is abandoned and no responsible party is identified, the Crown may take over ownership of the property. At this point, action may be taken to reduce the public health risk.
How to Know You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos
The unfortunate reality is that you may only know you’ve inhaled asbestos particles decades after that exposure event. Asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma only develop upwards of 20 or 30 years later.
As these diseases affect the lungs, symptoms generally include pain when breathing, shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and fatigue. There are no tests to measure any asbestos levels in the body or confirm exposure events.
However, according to the Ministry of Health, exposure can be estimated with:
Personal air sampling by way of a monitor worn in the breathing zone
Environmental and air sampling
Historical records, questionnaires, inspections, and interviews
My House Contains Asbestos, What Can I Do For My Neighbours?
If you have identified asbestos on your property and plan on undertaking removal for the safety of you and your neighbours, now might be the right time to consider how you plan on approaching the subject with them.
If the removal project is extensive, keeping the lines of communication open may be in your best interests. Meet your neighbours to discuss what your intentions are and what the interruptions are likely to be for them.
You may also like to provide them with your contact information in case they have any questions or concerns while the removal project is taking place. The more information you provide them with, the easier it may be for them to manage the disruption to their daily life while you work towards making your property safer for them and you.