Myth vs. Fact: Common Misconceptions about Asbestos

 
 

After decades spent learning about asbestos, it’s only natural to think we know everything there is to know about it and asbestos-containing materials. However, with so much information in the public arena, it’s easy for facts to be misconstrued and for myths to be believed as if they were facts.

Whether you’re an everyday member of the general public or someone who works with asbestos or might be exposed to it, here are some important misconceptions to be aware of.

Asbestos Is Easy to Identify

You might assume it would be easy to spot something that poses a significant health hazard, just as we might spot everyday dangers like potholes on our roads. However, asbestos isn’t always easy to identify, and the only entirely accurate way to confirm its presence is through asbestos testing.

Asbestos might be straightforward to identify in its natural mineral form, but being mixed into building materials and other products means it can be much harder to notice. To keep yourself safe, it’s a good idea to treat all pre-2000s building materials like lino, cladding materials, and some roofing materials as if they do contain asbestos. If you’re unsure, contact your local asbestos removal experts for advice.

Living With Asbestos Is Dangerous

When you learn that asbestos causes hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, you might think living in a house containing asbestos is harmful. While it’s true that asbestos exposure can put you at risk of asbestos-related illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma, you won’t get sick just by being around asbestos-containing materials.

The risk lies in friable asbestos. Friable asbestos describes a crumbly product that releases fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled into our lungs, putting us at risk of cancer and other illnesses. If any asbestos-containing materials in your home, such as lino or Super Six roofing, is in good condition and free of damage, it’s unlikely to pose a risk to your health.

You Can ‘DIY’ Asbestos Removal

It’s both a myth and a fact that you can remove asbestos yourself. WorkSafe imposes many rules for how members of the general public and professionals can handle asbestos. If you have a non­-friable asbestos material measuring less than 10m2, you can take all necessary precautions and remove it yourself.

However, if the asbestos is friable or covers a much larger area than 10m2, you must bring in professionals to help. You must also ensure you choose the right licensed professionals for the job. Class A licensed asbestos removal experts can remove any amount of friable and non-friable asbestos, while Class B licensed asbestos removalists can only remove non-friable asbestos. 

A Once-Off Exposure Event Is 100% Safe

Researchers haven’t yet been able to determine a ‘safe’ exposure limit. As a result, we can’t say with 100% certainty that being exposed to friable asbestos once will mean you aren’t at risk of related illnesses.

However, according to the Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora, a number of factors can determine the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including:

  • The volume of asbestos fibres in the air

  • The timeframe of your exposure event

  • The frequency of your exposure

  • The size of the asbestos fibres

  • How much time has passed since your first exposure

  • The type of asbestos fibres

Asbestos Dangers Are Exaggerated

Some people think that asbestos is described as more dangerous than it actually is and that you’re not going to get sick if you’re exposed to asbestos fibres. However, some of the 220 people dying from asbestos-related illnesses yearly in Aotearoa New Zealand would likely say otherwise.

According to WorkSafe NZ – Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa, asbestos exposure is our biggest workplace killer. Despite us knowing about its health risks for more than 80 years, people are still dying from entirely preventable asbestos-related illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risks aren’t exaggerated, and people are dying.

You Can Dispose Of Asbestos Waste With Household Rubbish

Throwing asbestos-containing materials in with your household waste might seem like the easiest option for its disposal, but it’s not the right way to get rid of it. In fact, disposing of asbestos waste in this way might put waste handlers at risk.

WorkSafe states that you must dispose of waste at an authorised disposal site. Talk to your local council about rubbish dumps accepting asbestos waste and ensure they comply with the Resource Management Act.

You must also double-bag all asbestos waste in heavy-duty plastic bags, including masks, coveralls, and plastic sheets used in its removal. Twist the bag at the top, fold the neck, and seal the bag with adhesive tape. Don’t forget to add a label on the outside of the bag identifying it as asbestos waste.

Clear Up Misinformation

We know more about asbestos now than ever before, but that doesn’t mean we don’t believe a few mistruths. Now that you’re aware of how dangerous asbestos can be, how to dispose of it, and who can remove it, you might be able to enjoy a far safer removal experience. Remember, if you’re getting ready to undertake renovations or believe your property contains asbestos, you can contact your local asbestos removal team for advice on the best actions to take.

Karan Kikani