Are you renovating your home soon? Aussie couple warns about potentially harmful find that may make you think twice
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Home renovations can be an exciting venture, filled with the promise of a fresh new look and the thrill of making a space truly your own.
Yet, for one Aussie couple, their renovation dreams quickly turned into a cautionary tale about the hidden dangers lurking behind the walls of older homes.
Online content creator Shai Howland and her partner were over the moon when they acquired an idyllic farmhouse in South Australia.
The property, with its rustic charm and potential for personalisation, seemed like the perfect canvas for their creativity.
However, as they began to peel back the layers of their new home, they stumbled upon a chilling discovery that halted their renovation plans.
While removing the old wallpaper, the couple uncovered that the home's walls were riddled with asbestos.
Howland and her partner caught the revelation on video and shared it online.
'And that's on being non-diligent,' she lamented in the post as she acknowledged the serious oversight.
'Definitely going to be looking into asbestos testing and all the right protection now.'
The couple's fans quickly responded with a mix of concern and advice.
'Don't mess with asbestos. Get out immediately,' one urged the couple.
'Put on shoes and gloves and actual clothes when doing house renovations,' another advised, emphasising the importance of protection when doing massive home projects.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of fine, durable fibres.
The said material was also a common material in building homes due to its heat-resistant properties.
However, asbestos was banned in December 2003 after it was conclusively linked to severe health conditions, including various forms of cancer.
Despite the ban, asbestos remained a silent threat in many pre-2003 homes, and its presence could only be confirmed through professional testing.
More than 4,000 Australians still die annually from diseases related to asbestos exposure, which often take decades to manifest.
The fibres, invisible to the naked eye, could become airborne and inhaled, leading to long-term health consequences.
For Howland, the discovery of asbestos in her home became a source of significant anxiety.
She admitted to being 'completely oblivious' to its dangers and is now grappling with the worry of potential exposure.
Her ordeal sparked a desire to raise awareness about the risks of asbestos, especially among those who may be unaware of its prevalence.
A 2004 episode of 60 Minutes Australia further explained the consequences of asbestos exposure. Watch here:
Source: 60 Minutes Australia/YouTube
Howland's story should always be a reminder to prioritise safety when embarking on home improvement projects.
If you're considering renovations, especially in older properties, conduct thorough inspections and seek professional help for testing.
Remember, your health and safety are paramount, and no renovation is worth risking one's well-being.
Have you or someone you know encountered similar issues during renovations? What precautions did you take to ensure a safe and healthy renovation process? Share your experiences and tips on how to minimise asbestos exposure in the comments below.
Yet, for one Aussie couple, their renovation dreams quickly turned into a cautionary tale about the hidden dangers lurking behind the walls of older homes.
Online content creator Shai Howland and her partner were over the moon when they acquired an idyllic farmhouse in South Australia.
The property, with its rustic charm and potential for personalisation, seemed like the perfect canvas for their creativity.
However, as they began to peel back the layers of their new home, they stumbled upon a chilling discovery that halted their renovation plans.
Shai Howland shared about her unsettling discovery on social media. Image Credit: TikTok/Shai Howland
While removing the old wallpaper, the couple uncovered that the home's walls were riddled with asbestos.
Howland and her partner caught the revelation on video and shared it online.
'And that's on being non-diligent,' she lamented in the post as she acknowledged the serious oversight.
'Definitely going to be looking into asbestos testing and all the right protection now.'
The couple's fans quickly responded with a mix of concern and advice.
'Don't mess with asbestos. Get out immediately,' one urged the couple.
'Put on shoes and gloves and actual clothes when doing house renovations,' another advised, emphasising the importance of protection when doing massive home projects.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of fine, durable fibres.
The said material was also a common material in building homes due to its heat-resistant properties.
However, asbestos was banned in December 2003 after it was conclusively linked to severe health conditions, including various forms of cancer.
Despite the ban, asbestos remained a silent threat in many pre-2003 homes, and its presence could only be confirmed through professional testing.
More than 4,000 Australians still die annually from diseases related to asbestos exposure, which often take decades to manifest.
The fibres, invisible to the naked eye, could become airborne and inhaled, leading to long-term health consequences.
For Howland, the discovery of asbestos in her home became a source of significant anxiety.
She admitted to being 'completely oblivious' to its dangers and is now grappling with the worry of potential exposure.
Her ordeal sparked a desire to raise awareness about the risks of asbestos, especially among those who may be unaware of its prevalence.
A 2004 episode of 60 Minutes Australia further explained the consequences of asbestos exposure. Watch here:
Source: 60 Minutes Australia/YouTube
Howland's story should always be a reminder to prioritise safety when embarking on home improvement projects.
If you're considering renovations, especially in older properties, conduct thorough inspections and seek professional help for testing.
Remember, your health and safety are paramount, and no renovation is worth risking one's well-being.
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