Occupational asbestos exposure is classed as the leading cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis. Those most at risk of developing such asbestos-related illnesses are construction workers, industrial workers, firefighters, shipyard workers, demolition workers, and general tradespeople.

It’s easy to assume that anyone else is at low or no risk of asbestos exposure, but is that accurate? Below, we look at DIY renovations and how risky they are regarding asbestos exposure.

 

Asbestos Is More Prevalent Than You Think

Many DIYers might assume they don’t need to put safety measures in place because their properties are unlikely to contain asbestos. However, it’s more prevalent than you might think.

If your home was built or renovated before 1987, it’s highly likely to contain many asbestos-containing materials (ACM). If it was built or renovated between 1987 and 1990, it was still likely that some ACM had been used, and it was unlikely but still possible for it to contain asbestos if it was built or renovated post-1990.

You might also be surprised at just how many areas of your home could contain asbestos if they fit into these time periods. WorkSafe has created a poster outlining the many different parts of the average residential property it can be found, such as fence panels, garage cladding, compressed sheeting, roofing panels, window flashing, ceiling tiles, hot water cupboard lining, and more.

 

Are DIYers At Risk?

Now that you know just how prevalent asbestos is in the average residential property built before 1990, it makes sense for DIYers to be at risk of exposure if they don’t take proper precautions.

According to an Australian study on New South Wales residents, over 60% of DIYers reported being exposed to asbestos during their renovations. Over half said their partners had been exposed, and 43% said their children were also exposed.

Nearly 60% of home renovators admitted cutting into AC Fibro sheeting, and 37% said they used power tools to cut asbestos products. The study also highlighted that renovators who didn’t perform renovations themselves were less likely to be exposed to asbestos, along with their families.

Data from New Zealand look a little different. In 2015, a report was carried out on behalf of the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.

The findings and recommendations were as follows:

The amount of asbestos released during work, such as removal of sprayed-on asbestos coatings or during sanding of asbestos backing after lifting tile or vinyl flooring, can be significant if proper procedures are not followed but does not typically exceed workplace regulatory levels.

Exposure levels associated with most home renovation activities are generally orders of magnitude lower than historical occupational exposures that are known to increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases.

The report also said mesothelioma is the leading cause of concern regarding low exposure, particularly in home renovations. This asbestos-related illness is linked to lower cumulative exposure events compared to lung cancer and other diseases.

 

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer described as tumours in the tissue lining the stomach, lungs, heart, and other organs. Cancerous mesothelioma is the most common cause, and symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough.

Medical professionals might recommend surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and supportive treatments, but this illness cannot be cured. Fortunately, the NZ report pointed out that most ACM in New Zealand mostly contains chrysotile asbestos, which usually produces a lower risk of mesothelioma than other asbestos types.

 

Can You Make DIY Renovations Less Risky?

If you’re a homeowner who has just learned that home renovations aren’t risk-free as far as asbestos exposure is concerned, you might be wondering if there is a way to make them safer. Fortunately, there is.

Worksafe recommends hiring someone to undertake any work involving asbestos removal, particularly friable asbestos. Alternatively, you might like to take several safety precautions yourself, such as:

 

• Wearing personal protective equipment

• Isolating the area

• Disposing of asbestos waste responsibly

• Wetting down asbestos materials before removal

• Not breaking or damaging bonded asbestos

• Using plastic drop sheets

• Wiping all surfaces after removal

• Not using power tools to cut or clean asbestos

 

Do You Have to Remove Asbestos?

Building materials don’t last forever, and renovations can be necessary to keep a home warm, dry, and comfortable for its occupants.

However, not all asbestos-containing materials need to be removed. If they are in excellent condition, maintaining them might be an option you consider. Alternatively, you might like to discuss encapsulation with an asbestos removal expert.

Encapsulation involves sealing asbestos behind other building materials. For example, you might be able to install new flooring over old asbestos vinyl or new gib over an old asbestos popcorn ceiling. These options can sometimes be safer, more affordable, and less invasive than removal.

 

Talk to Asbestos Removal Experts

When you learn your home contains asbestos, there can be a lot to think about. If you’re unsure where to begin or whether you can undertake asbestos removal on your own, contact asbestos testing and removal experts like Chemcare for help and advice.