Don't play renovation roulette

November is Asbestos Awareness month, so now is a good time for owners of older houses in Noosa Shire to get to know asbestos, and how to safely manage it.

“If homeowners find asbestos in their homes it is imperative that safety precautions are observed when removing or working with asbestos,” says Noosa Council Environmental Health Officer Terry Steer.

There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres.  If asbestos is disturbed it can release dangerous fine particles of dust containing asbestos fibres.

“Breathing in dust containing asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma,” Mr Steer says.

Mesothelioma is a cancer which most often occurs in the lining of the lung, with no cure.

“Most importantly, if residents suspect their homes may contain asbestos, don’t disturb it. Have it professionally inspected and identified. This is very important if proposing to undertake renovations.”

More Information about asbestos can be found at www.asbestosawareness.com.au  and on Council’s website at: www.noosa.qld.gov.au/health-safety

23 October 2015