Asbestos

With Australia having one of the highest incidences of asbestos-related cancers in the world, and with confirmed cases of these cancers continuing to increase as a result of home maintenance and renovation, exposure to asbestos fibres is considered a significant threat to the health of Australians.

EVERY home built or renovated before the mid 1980s is likely to contain asbestos. If left undisturbed asbestos generally does not pose a health risk. However, when disturbed during renovations and home maintenance, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and when inhaled, can cause life-threatening diseases including lung cancer, pleural disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma, an incurable, terminal cancer.

Every home built or renovated in the years leading up to 1987, most likely contains asbestos! A conservative estimate is that 1 in 3 homes in Australia contains asbestos including brick.

If asbestos is undisturbed, it generally does not pose a health risk.

Domestic Asbestos Removal Kits

West Wimmera Shire Council provide $40 Domestic Asbestos Removal kits for the removal of up to 10m2, available at the Shire offices in Edenhope and Kaniva.

Kits include:

• 1 DVD - Asbestos in the Home Removal Kit Instruction Guide

• 1 Domestic Asbestos Removal Kit Instruction book

• 4 Plastic Sheets 2m x 2m

• 2 Printed disposable asbestos bags 600mm x 900mm

• 2 Printed disposable asbestos bags 700mm x 1100mm

• 2 Tyvek disposable coveralls

• 2 3M 9322 valved respirator P2 individually wrapped

• 4 Niyrile blue gloves

• 4 Shintoe disposable over boots

• 1 Silver duct tape 48mm x 30m

• 1 Barrier tape printed 'Danger Asbestos" 10m

• 4 EW "Economy Wipes" wipe down cloths

• 1 Atomiser spray bottle

• 1 PVA glue 100ml

• 1 Multipurpose plastic sheet 2m x 4m

West Wimmera Shire transfer stations will only accept asbestos from home owners within in the shire up to a maximum of 10m2 that have been handled and wrapped in accordance with the OH&S Act (2004). A fee of $10 per 10m2 of wrapped asbestos applies.