What happens if you find asbestos in your home?

Finding asbestos can be a distressing experience when you renovate or buy given its well-documented history as a toxic material. 

Asbestos is a natural substance of thin fibrous crystals that if inhaled attacks the lungs, causing them to stiffen with deadly consequences.

You might find asbestos in any pre-1990 home, as the material was used in many areas, predominantly for walls, ceilings, eaves, gutters, downpipes and gutters.

If you’re planning a renovation and believe asbestos might be present, take every precaution. 

Engage a specialist company to test any material you suspect may contain asbestor. The cost is around $200 and will take just a few days to be completed. 

As local agents, we have heard stories of renovations where asbestos offcuts are found under the floor from previous renovations or found when a wall is knocked down. In this scenario, calling in a specialist remover is the wisest course of action. 

Here are some of the actions you should expect them to take in removing the asbestos.

Indoors

  • The affected area should be isolated from the rest of the home. All internal doors should be sealed.
  • The floor, and especially carpet, should be covered in heavy-duty plastic sheeting to catch dust, debris and offcuts.
  • Keep people and pets away from the affected area. It’s best to leave your home while the work is conducted.
  • Don’t use fans or air-conditioning during the work

Outdoors

  • Outdoor work most commonly occurs when old garages are removed, or external fixtures are updated.
  • Again, household members should leave the premises. Pets should go, too.
  • Neighbours should be informed asbestos is to be removed. Your contractor will ask them to close doors and windows when the work is being carried out.
  • All your windows, doors and vents should be shut to prevent dust from coming into the building.
  • Any garden area at risk of contamination should be covered in heavy-duty plastic, especially if you grow fruit and vegetables.
  • All children’s toys, garden furniture and any vehicles should be taken from the immediate area.