The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is encouraging all residents to be aware of the dangers of asbestos and take all necessary precautions when renovating or performing home maintenance.
Asbestos Awareness Month runs for the month of November, with the aim of alerting Australians to the dangers of working with asbestos during home maintenance and renovations as well as to highlight where asbestos might be found in and around the home.
Shire President Michelle Rich said it is important to remember that asbestos can be found in and around most homes built or renovated before 1987, regardless of whether they are constructed of weatherboard, brick, fibro or has exterior cladding.
“Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries can contain asbestos and it can also be found in an alarming number of unlikely areas within your home, including under floor coverings, in cement floors, ceilings, fences, and extensions to homes and sheds.
“When asbestos is disturbed during home renovations and demolitions, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and if inhaled, could lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
"Mesothelioma is a cancer which usually occurs in the lining of the lung and currently there is no cure.
“It is simply not worth the risk, so if you are thinking about home renovations or maintenance, please take the asbestos warnings seriously and use a licensed asbestos removalist in order to protect yourself and your family.”
For further information, please visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au.
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