November is Asbestos Awareness Month and Cumberland Council is providing a number of services to increase asbestos awareness, including free information sessions, household inspections and asbestos collections.
“Australia has a large problem with asbestos and also one of the highest rates of asbestos related diseases in the world,” Mayor Greg Cummings said.
“We know how important it is to educate everyone about the dangers of asbestos, particularly in Cumberland, which makes up a large part of Sydney’s fibro belt.
“But it’s not only fibro homes that contain asbestos. Asbestos products can be found in any home built or renovated before 1987 - even brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad homes. Asbestos can also be found under floor coverings, even in cement floors, behind walls, in ceilings, eaves, around hot water pipes - really, it could be anywhere.
“However, asbestos only poses a risk to health when asbestos fibres are breathed in. Generally, asbestos material in good condition and left undisturbed will not release asbestos fibres. There is no danger unless fibres are released and inhaled into the lungs, which is why it’s so important Australians stop playing ‘renovation roulette’ and protect themselves and their families from exposure to asbestos fibres during renovations and maintenance.
“We need the community to assist us identifying asbestos but the most important thing is to ensure people know how to do it safely. Our information sessions help people understand how to safely identify, remove and dispose of asbestos.
“All participants will receive a free asbestos removal kit valued at $100, including safety gear and all the information needed to safely remove asbestos sheets under the size of 10sqm. Once it is removed, Council will pick up and dispose of the asbestos safely and responsibly.
“If you think you may have asbestos in your home but are not sure how to identify it, contact Council for assistance to self-identify or find out if you need an inspection by a specialist.”
Information sessions will be held from 6.30-8.30pm at Merrylands Community Centre on Thursday 22 November and Auburn Centre for Community on Thursday 29 November.
Inspections will be available on Friday 23 November and Saturday 24 November. To be eligible for the 45 minute inspection by an occupational hygienist specialist, your home must be in mostly original condition and built before 1990.
Collections will be available upon request.
For bookings and more information call 8757 9000.
