Asbestos in Your Home: What You Need to Know

 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials prior to the 1980s in New Zealand. While asbestos was prized for its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and fire, it has been linked to serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, when inhaled over a long period of time.

If you own an older home or business in New Zealand, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of asbestos and to take steps to have it safely removed, if necessary. In this blog post, we'll provide a guide for homeowners on how to identify asbestos and what to do if you suspect it may be present in your property.

 
 
 

How to Identify Asbestos

Asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials, including insulation, roofing materials, textured paint, and flooring. Some common products that may contain asbestos in New Zealand include:

  • Insulation (including furnace and hot water tank insulation)

  • Roofing materials (including shingles and siding)

  • Textured paint

  • Floor tiles and linoleum

  • Boiler and pipe insulation

  • Gaskets and seals

  • External Cladding

Asbestos Characteristics

To identify asbestos in New Zealand, it is important to look for the following characteristics:

  • Asbestos is typically found in older homes and buildings built prior to the 1980s.

  • If you have any of the products listed in the previous list that was installed before the 1990s you should get these tested before doing any remediation work.

If you suspect that your property in New Zealand may contain asbestos, it is important to have it inspected by a professional. They will be able to determine the presence of asbestos and, if necessary, recommend a plan for safely removing it.

 
 
 

What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos May be Present

If you suspect that your property in New Zealand may contain asbestos, it is important to take the following steps:

  • Do not disturb the asbestos material. Asbestos fibers are harmful when inhaled, so it is important to avoid disturbing the material or creating dust.

  • Do not attempt to remove the asbestos material yourself. Asbestos removal should only be performed by trained professionals who have the necessary equipment and safety measures in place.

  • Contact a professional asbestos removal company in New Zealand to have the material inspected and, if necessary, safely removed.

By following these steps, you can help protect your family and employees from the harmful effects of asbestos and ensure that your property is safe and healthy.

 
Pearl Pan