Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of many small fibres. These fibres are very strong and are highly resistant to heat, fire, chemicals and wear. This makes asbestos a very useful material for insulation and strengthening materials, however it is also highly toxic.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Asbestos is most likely to be found in buildings built or refurbished before 2000. Prior to 2000, asbestos was used widely in construction. Asbestos was most often used in insulation, flooring, roofing and was also sprayed on ceilings and walls.
What Is The History of Asbestos in New Zealand?
Asbestos came into widespread use in the early 1900s and unprocessed asbestos was first imported into New Zealand in the late 1930s. Most houses in New Zealand built between the 1940s and 1960s used tile or asbestos-cement sheet roofing. This was because it was fire resistant, inexpensive, durable and easy to install. From the 1950s, asbestos materials were often applied by spraying, including decorative coatings on ceilings and walls. Asbestos was also used in lino flooring, floor tiles, sprayed fire protection and roof membranes. In the 1970s, asbestos regulations were proposed, and in 2016 these regulations banned the import and export of asbestos products.
Health Issues Related to Asbestos
When asbestos is dry, it can be crumbled or powdered and these fibres can be released into the air as dust. If inhaled, asbestos can cause a number of health issues. Over many years, the fibres can cause irritation and inflammation that can damage cells and DNA. Breathing in the fibres can increase the risk of serious diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer, as well as cancers of the digestive system. Unfortunately, health issues related to asbestos can be hard to identify at times.
When You’re Removing Asbestos Yourself
As long as asbestos is in good condition and there is no damage to the asbestos containing material, removal should not pose a risk as the fibres will not be released. However, incorrect or unnecessary removal of asbestos can pose a large risk to health. Therefore we always suggest you use a trained professional.
When Hiring Someone To Remove Asbestos For You
The New Zealand Ministry of Health has a number of regulations regarding asbestos. Friable asbestos or any asbestos-containing material such as cement sheets over 10 metres squared must be removed by a licensed removalist. Hiring an expert will help ensure asbestos is removed in the safest way possible. During the process a professional will wear protective clothing and use specialised equipment designed specifically to remove the material with minimal disruption. The area will be cleared of people and pets, removable objects and furniture and all other surfaces will be lined. Windows and doors will be fastened and sealed with tape. Water will be sprayed onto the asbestos to prevent the fibres from being released into the air, then fixtures will be unbolted and asbestos removed.
Where Does Asbestos Go Once Removed?
When asbestos is removed from a property, all materials will be placed into a container and will be transported to a specific landfill with an asbestos permit.
