Asbestos Awareness Week 2024
During New Zealand’s Asbestos Awareness Week (November 18-24), it's essential to highlight how asbestos may still be present in older homes and how to manage it safely. Asbestos was commonly used in New Zealand homes built before the 1990s. Knowing where asbestos might be hiding, understanding the risks involved in common household activities, and knowing how to handle minor asbestos issues can keep families safe and informed.
Where Asbestos May Be Found in Older Homes
Asbestos was popular in construction due to its durability and resistance to fire and heat. It was often used in various building materials, particularly in homes built before the 1990s. Here are some common locations in older homes where asbestos is often found:
Roofing and Exterior Cladding
Asbestos-containing cement roofing and exterior cladding were used for their weatherproof qualities.
Common types include corrugated asbestos-cement sheets and shingles.
Insulation Materials
Used in walls, ceiling cavities, and around piping, especially in hot-water and heating systems.
Loose-fill insulation, particularly in older houses, can contain asbestos fibers.
Walls and Ceilings
Textured ceiling finishes (sometimes called "popcorn ceilings") and certain wall panels may contain asbestos.
Asbestos was also mixed with plaster or paint for added durability.
Flooring Materials
Vinyl floor tiles, linoleum, and backing materials often included asbestos to strengthen the flooring.
Adhesives used to lay down flooring tiles may also contain asbestos.
Pipes and Fittings
Asbestos cement pipes were common in plumbing, especially in areas that needed durability.
Insulation around hot-water pipes and boilers could contain asbestos fibers.
Visual Clues and Red Flags for Asbestos Presence
Identifying asbestos can be challenging, as it doesn’t always have visible signs. However, some materials in older homes may indicate a higher likelihood of asbestos. When asbestos gets damaged the fibrous nature is much more visible. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
Aged Roofing and Wall Cladding: Older cement sheeting, often grey and corrugated, may contain asbestos.
Crumbly or Damaged Insulation: If insulation is loose, deteriorating, or powdery, it could be asbestos-containing.
Vinyl Floor Tiles: Older vinyl tiles are often made with asbestos; they may appear worn, discoloured, or cracked.
Textured Wall or Ceiling Finishes: Textured finishes in ceilings or walls, particularly “popcorn” ceilings, may contain asbestos.
Worn Pipe Insulation: Insulation around old pipes that is flaky or peeling could pose a risk.
Steps to Take if Asbestos is Suspected
If you suspect asbestos in your home, it’s crucial to follow these steps to ensure safety:
Do Not Disturb: Avoid touching, drilling, or breaking any suspect material. Disturbing asbestos can release harmful fibres into the air.
Avoid DIY Tests: Handling and testing asbestos without proper equipment can be dangerous. Avoid scraping or cutting suspect materials yourself.
Contact a Professional Assessor:
Reach out to a licensed asbestos assessor to conduct a thorough examination.
Professionals can take safe samples and have them tested in a laboratory.
Get a Management Plan:
If asbestos is confirmed, an assessor can create a management plan detailing where asbestos is located and how to safely manage or remove it.
Engage Certified Removal Services:
If asbestos removal is needed, use a licensed professional with experience handling and disposing of asbestos. This will help protect your health and prevent contamination.
Common Activities That May Disturb Asbestos
Certain household activities pose a higher risk of asbestos exposure, especially if workers are unaware of its presence. Here are some common tasks where asbestos can be accidentally disturbed:
Renovations and Refurbishments:
Renovating old walls, floors, and ceilings can release asbestos if these areas contain asbestos-laden materials.
Tearing down old walls or removing roofing sheets should always be done carefully in older homes.
Plumbing Work:
Drilling or sawing through old pipes or wall cavities can disrupt asbestos in pipes or insulation.
It’s essential to consult a professional if asbestos is suspected in pipes before any plumbing work.
Electrical Installations:
Running electrical cables through old walls or ceilings may inadvertently disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Electricians should be aware of potential asbestos hazards when working in older buildings.
By being aware of these risks, homeowners and workers can take extra precautions or consult a professional to manage asbestos safely.
Addressing Fears of Asbestos in the Home
Asbestos can be intimidating, but it’s important to understand that undisturbed asbestos in good condition is generally not a danger. Here are some key points to remember:
Not All Asbestos is Dangerous if Left Intact:
Asbestos materials in good condition do not pose a significant risk unless disturbed.
If asbestos-containing materials are stable and undamaged, they are often safer left undisturbed.
Common Misunderstandings:
Asbestos only becomes dangerous when disturbed, as this releases the fibers.
Routine household activities, like cleaning and dusting, don’t usually disturb asbestos.
Handling Minor Asbestos in the Home
For minor asbestos materials that are in good condition, homeowners can follow these guidelines:
Avoid Scrubbing or Sanding:
Do not scrub, sand, or scrape surfaces that might contain asbestos (e.g., vinyl tiles or old cement sheeting).
Seal or Cover:
Use non-abrasive paint or a sealant to cover asbestos cement sheeting, preventing deterioration and fiber release.
Leave Minor Items Untouched:
Small items like vinyl tiles that aren’t damaged may be left alone. However, if you plan to remove them, consult a professional first.
When to Call a Professional:
If you plan significant work on older materials, if the material is damaged, or if you’re unsure about handling it, always call a certified asbestos professional.
By following these simple guidelines, New Zealand homeowners can help ensure they are protecting themselves and their families from asbestos exposure. Remember that with awareness and careful handling, asbestos risks in the home can be managed effectively.
Want to discuss whether your project needs help with asbestos management or removal, get in touch!
