Fairfield’s Household Asbestos Removal Program is almost over, but residents who wish to be involved can apply when the program runs again next year.

The free program was introduced to help make Fairfield residents aware of the dangers of asbestos, help them dispose of it correctly, and prevent the illegal dumping of asbestos

It’s important that the community is aware of asbestos risks and its prevalence in Australia.

Statistics show that as many as one-in-three Australian homes contain asbestos, which means that most people have probably lived in a house that contains asbestos at some point in their lives.

If left undisturbed, asbestos generally doesn’t pose any health risks (so you don’t need to be alarmed if you find out asbestos is in your home).

Asbestos can be disturbed during renovations and home maintenance however, and this is when it can become extremely hazardous.

If inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause life-threatening diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer.

Asbestos is most commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, garages, sheds, outdoor toilets and fences, but it could be found almost anywhere in a home, so before you renovate you should always find out where asbestos could be and how to deal with it safely.

If renovations aren’t urgent you could wait until council’s asbestos program runs again, or if it needs to be dealt with sooner than you will need to contact a licensed professional to remove it for you.

To find out more about asbestos, visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au.

 

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