At Chemcare, we get the appeal of a DIY project. There's a real sense of accomplishment that comes with tackling a home renovation yourself. But when it comes to asbestos removal, DIY is a gamble you simply shouldn't take. Asbestos is a hidden danger lurking in many older homes and disturbing it can have severe health consequences. In this blog, we'll delve into the reasons why DIY asbestos removal is a recipe for disaster.

Health Hazards

Asbestos fibers are incredibly tiny and can become airborne when disturbed. Inhalation of these fibers is the primary cause of asbestos-related diseases. The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are severe and include:

Asbestosis – Chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung tissue scarring and long-term breathing complications.

Lung Cancer – Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Smokers exposed to asbestos have an even higher risk.

Mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs abdomen, or heart, almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

Other Cancer – Studies have linked asbestos exposure to cancers of the larynx, ovaries, and gastrointestinal tract.

Without the proper protective equipment and training, DIY enthusiasts expose themselves and others to these dangerous fibers. Professional asbestos removal companies, like Chemcare, are equipped with specialised gear and adhere to stringent safety protocols to ensure that asbestos fibers do not become a health hazard.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

In New Zealand, the handling and removal of asbestos are governed by strict regulations under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. These laws are designed to protect public health and ensure that asbestos is managed safely. Unauthorised asbestos removal can lead to hefty fines and legal consequences. For instance:

WorkSafe New Zealand:

Oversees asbestos removal and ensures compliance with safety standards. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines and legal actions.

Certified Professionals:

Only licenced professionals are permitted to remove friable asbestos. Homeowners attempting DIY removal can inadvertently violate these regulations.

Professionals are well-versed in these regulations and ensure that every removal job is compliant, thereby avoiding legal repercussions.

Proper Disposal

Asbestos waste cannot be disposed of like regular household waste. It must be transported and disposed of at designated facilities that can handle hazardous materials. Improper disposal can contaminate the environment and pose a risk to public health. Professional asbestos removal services like Chemcare ensure that all asbestos waste is correctly disposed of, adhering to regulatory requirements.

In New Zealand, specific guidelines must be followed:

Waste transportation:

Asbestos waste must be doubled-bagged in heavy-duty plastic bags, sealed, and labelled appropriately.

Disposal sites:

Only certain landfills are licensed to accept asbestos waste.

Effective and Thorough Removal

Asbestos removal is not a simple task. It requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are identified and removed safely. Missing even a small section of asbestos can leave dangerous fibers behind, posing ongoing health risks. Professionals have the expertise to conduct thorough inspections and ensure that all asbestos is effectively removed from your property.

Minimising Contamination

One of the significant risks of DIY asbestos removal is the potential for contaminating your home. Asbestos fibers can easily spread to other areas if not properly contained. Professionals use specialised containment procedures and negative air pressure systems to prevent the spread of fibers, ensuring that your home remains safe and clean during and after the removal process.

Specialised Equipment and Techniques

Professional asbestos removal companies use specialised equipment and techniques that are not available to the public. These include negative air machines, HEPA filters and decontamination units.

Experience and Expertise

Experience is crucial when dealing with hazardous materials. Professional asbestos removal teams are trained and certified, bringing years of experience to the job. Their expertise ensures accurate identification of different types of asbestos-containing materials and proper assessment of risk levels. They also know the safest methods for removing and handling asbestos, minimising the risk of fiber release.

Peace of Mind

Hiring a professional asbestos removal company like Chemcare offers peace of mind. Knowing that trained experts are handling hazardous materials means you can rest assured that the job will be done safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations. This peace of mind is invaluable when dealing with something as dangerous as asbestos.

While the idea of saving money by handling asbestos removal yourself may be tempting, the risks involved far outweigh any potential benefits. Health hazards, legal issues, and the complexity of safe asbestos removal and disposal make DIY efforts not only dangerous but also potentially more costly in the long run. Trusting professionals like Chemcare ensures that the job is done right, safeguarding your health, your home, and the environment.

For more information on safe asbestos removal and to schedule a professional assessment, contact Chemcare today. Your safety is our priority.