Asbestos warning for NSW home renovators

Everyday areas in your home that could potentially contain asbestos include:

• roofs, eaves, downpipes and insulation
• interior walls (often with a non-asbestos covering on the outside)
• kitchen splashbacks
• under lino, some carpets and tiles (and the cement compounds used to fix tiles)
• lagging around pipes, inside fuse boxes or as part of ventilation shafts
• fences, garden sheds and small outdoor construction like chicken coops
• bonded cement sheeting that make up walls, which can be disturbed when sanded in preparation for painting.

The NSW Government’s new awareness campaign is reminding renovators about the importance of asbestos removal, particularly for homes and sheds built before 1990.

Asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003. At the peak of its use, asbestos was found in over 3000 products.

Many of the products are still being used in homes and workplaces, particularly buildings constructed before 1990.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said this long weekend provides an ideal opportunity to tackle a DIY project, but only if it is done safely and carefully.

“We want homeowners to make use of the government’s Asbestos Finder or arrange an assessment from a licensed asbestos assessor before starting a renovation to best protect your family, neighbours and the wider community,” Mr Kean said.

“Checking before you start will keep you and your family safe.”

Learn more about the steps to take if you find asbestos in your home.