Many Australians may unknowingly be putting their health at risk because they don’t understand the dangers of working with asbestos or know where it might be found in and around their home.

If a home was built or renovated in the years leading up to 1985, it most likely contains asbestos and while if left undisturbed it does not pose a health risk, during renovations or the demolition of these homes, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and be inhaled leading to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

During national Asbestos Awareness Week (21-27 November), the launch of a new website is the focus of a campaign designed to educate homeowners about the dangers of working with asbestos in and around the home.

Australia has one of the highest incidences of asbestos cancers in the world and with as many as one in three Australian homes containing asbestos, the week-long campaign, ‘Think Smart, Think Safe, Think asbestosawareness.com.au it’s not worth the risk!’ features the launch of the Asbestos Education Committee’s new website.

In a study by Professor Anthony Johnson et al into ‘The prevalence of self reported asbestos exposure during home renovation in NSW residents’ in 2008, showed: 60.5% of do it yourself (DIY) renovators reported being exposed to asbestos during home renovations, 53% reported their partner and 40% reported their children were also exposed to asbestos during home DIY home renovations. 58% of DIY renovators cut AC Fibro Sheeting (the most common activity resulting in asbestos exposure), 37% of DIY renovators reported using a power tool to cut asbestos products and non DIY renovators were less likely to be exposed or have their families exposed.