How to Handle Your Older Home Having Asbestos Containing Materials?

Asbestos Handling: This November marks the 10th National Asbestos Awareness Month, shedding light on a concerning reality: about one-third of Australian households potentially harbor hazardous asbestos.


asbestos



The annual toll from diseases linked to asbestos surpasses 4,000 and is anticipated to increase, emphasizing the critical need for widespread awareness about this silent danger.

Experts such as Michael Lindsay, the environmental health executive director at the Department of Health, Cherie Barber, renowned as Australia's Renovation Queen and an ambassador for National Asbestos Awareness Month, and Cath Hart, the chief executive of REIWA, share their insights into managing asbestos safely and understanding its implications in real estate.



When is Asbestos Dangerous? What's Asbestos Exposure

Law?


 

Likelihood of Asbestos in Homes

Australia was a significant consumer of asbestos until the nationwide ban in 2003. Dr. Lindsay highlights that the likelihood of asbestos in a residence primarily hinges on its construction timeframe.

Houses built before the mid-1980s are more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The use of asbestos in construction materials decreased in homes built after the mid-1980s until 1990, and it's highly unlikely that homes constructed after 1990 have asbestos-containing building products.

 

Common Locations in Residential Properties

Asbestos fibers were extensively used in over 3000 building and home decorator products. Dr. Lindsay lists common locations including asbestos cement roofing and fencing, wall cladding, eaves' fiber cement board, and flooring like vinyl tiles and linoleum backing. 

It was also present in textured paints, insulation materials, and components like meter box insulation boards, guttering, downpipes, and flues. Asbestos products were not only confined to houses and apartments but also found in structures like garages, sheds, outdoor toilets, and even dog kennels.

While homeowners can visually inspect their property, the certainty of a home being asbestos-free requires assessment by a licensed asbestos assessor, occupational hygienist, or licensed asbestos removal expert.

 

Health Risks and Precautions

ACMs pose health risks when disturbed or damaged, releasing fibers that can be inhaled. Activities like sanding, sawing, drilling, and cutting generate high exposures, especially with power tools. Dr. Lindsay stresses that asbestos awareness and safety are paramount for owners of older properties.

Avoiding activities creating dust and increasing exposure to airborne asbestos fibers is crucial. Asbestos removal should be handled by licensed professionals.

 

Impact on Property Value

Ms. Barber notes that while asbestos may deter some potential buyers due to health risks and removal costs, it can present an opportunity for those willing to undertake the challenge.

Removing asbestos professionally can uplift the property value by eradicating this buyer objection.

 

Disclosure Obligations and Market Value

Ms. Hart emphasizes the legal obligation for agents to disclose the presence of asbestos to potential buyers to avoid legal repercussions.

Asbestos may not significantly impact the value of properties built before 1990, but older properties with substantial asbestos might be priced accordingly, especially if they're likely to be demolished for development purposes.



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