Incorrect disposal of this item puts thousands of Aussies at risk of cancer and other diseases!
- Replies 8
On December 31, 2003, Australia banned asbestos.
And yet almost two decades later, it’s still responsible for 4000 deaths yearly due to related diseases — more deadly than car-related fatalities.
Unfortunately, it gets worse.
A recent survey by the Asbestos Safety Eradication Agency (Asbestos Safety) found that 6000 tonnes of carcinogenic material are dumped illegally across Australia.
Efforts to remediate the dumped asbestos would cost about $11.2 million — a hefty amount that could have been diverted to other uses like social services or public healthcare.
Now, the government is hellbent on raising awareness of asbestos with National Asbestos Awareness Week, which starts on November 21 and ends on the 27th.
‘Asbestos causes cancer and if not disposed of properly, it puts workers, and the community’s health at risk.’ said Asbestos Safety Chief Executive Justine Ross.
‘It is an issue that has serious and far-reaching consequences, costing taxpayers millions each year in environmental remediation and long-term health costs,’ she added.
Ross said asbestos exposure disproportionately affects Aussies working on older buildings and infrastructure built back when its use was permitted.
‘However, asbestos can also be found in unexpected places such as in the household garden, garage or storage areas.’
One in every three Australian houses is estimated to contain asbestos products, according to Asbestos Safety.
To add to the problem, there is no certain way to visually determine if something has asbestos in it as it can only be confirmed through testing.
So… what do you do if you find something tainted with asbestos?
Source: YouTube/WorkSafe Victoria
‘It is easier, safer and often cheaper to get a professional to do the job for you. They will usually include the cost of disposing of the asbestos waste legally with the cost of removal,’ said Ross.
Please note that there are also designated facilities where people can dispose of asbestos products. Find out if there’s one near you here.
Dumping asbestos products in regular rubbish bins or on the kerb is a crime, so be warned — unless you want to end up with a hefty fine.
‘Disposing of it responsibly, no matter how small the amount, is the right thing to do,’ Ross said.
Now, if you don’t know where to look, don’t worry!
There are resources online available for you to reach with asbestos-related questions.
Asbestos Safety can be reached by email at [email protected].au or on 1300 326 148.
Asbestos Awareness also has a database of products known to contain the hazardous mineral.
Meanwhile, if you have time, please check out why Bunnykins tableware from the 1970s was found unsuitable for use for food.
So, what is your reaction to these concerning findings? Have you had any experiences finding asbestos products in your home? How did you handle it?
Tell us in the comments section below!
Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia
And yet almost two decades later, it’s still responsible for 4000 deaths yearly due to related diseases — more deadly than car-related fatalities.
Unfortunately, it gets worse.
A recent survey by the Asbestos Safety Eradication Agency (Asbestos Safety) found that 6000 tonnes of carcinogenic material are dumped illegally across Australia.
Efforts to remediate the dumped asbestos would cost about $11.2 million — a hefty amount that could have been diverted to other uses like social services or public healthcare.
Now, the government is hellbent on raising awareness of asbestos with National Asbestos Awareness Week, which starts on November 21 and ends on the 27th.
Asbestos remains a threat for Aussies decades after being banned. Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia
‘Asbestos causes cancer and if not disposed of properly, it puts workers, and the community’s health at risk.’ said Asbestos Safety Chief Executive Justine Ross.
‘It is an issue that has serious and far-reaching consequences, costing taxpayers millions each year in environmental remediation and long-term health costs,’ she added.
Ross said asbestos exposure disproportionately affects Aussies working on older buildings and infrastructure built back when its use was permitted.
‘However, asbestos can also be found in unexpected places such as in the household garden, garage or storage areas.’
One in every three Australian houses is estimated to contain asbestos products, according to Asbestos Safety.
To add to the problem, there is no certain way to visually determine if something has asbestos in it as it can only be confirmed through testing.
So… what do you do if you find something tainted with asbestos?
Source: YouTube/WorkSafe Victoria
‘It is easier, safer and often cheaper to get a professional to do the job for you. They will usually include the cost of disposing of the asbestos waste legally with the cost of removal,’ said Ross.
Please note that there are also designated facilities where people can dispose of asbestos products. Find out if there’s one near you here.
Dumping asbestos products in regular rubbish bins or on the kerb is a crime, so be warned — unless you want to end up with a hefty fine.
‘Disposing of it responsibly, no matter how small the amount, is the right thing to do,’ Ross said.
There are resources online available for you to reach with asbestos-related questions.
Asbestos Safety can be reached by email at [email protected].au or on 1300 326 148.
Asbestos Awareness also has a database of products known to contain the hazardous mineral.
Meanwhile, if you have time, please check out why Bunnykins tableware from the 1970s was found unsuitable for use for food.
So, what is your reaction to these concerning findings? Have you had any experiences finding asbestos products in your home? How did you handle it?
Tell us in the comments section below!
Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia
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