1
2
What is Asbestos?
Three different types of
asbestos (Image courtesy
of QBM)
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found on the surface
of the earth. It contains strong fibres that have excellent
durability, fire resistance and insulating properties. Asbestos
fibres are 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair, can float
in the air for a long time, can be invisible to the naked eye and
can be breathed into the lungs.
In the past, asbestos was mined from the ground and
manufactured into many different materials. Materials
containing asbestos were very common in the Australian
residential building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s
before their production stopped.
The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned nationally
since 31 December 2003. The ban does not apply to asbestos
installed prior to this date (eg. asbestos materials in houses).
3
History of asbestos production and use Asbestos is the fibrous form of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and
amphibole groups of rock-forming material. It includes actinolite, amosite (brown
asbestos), anthophyllite, chrysotile (white asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos),
tremolite, or any mixture containing one or more of the mineral silicates belonging to
the serpentine and amphibole groups.
Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can lead to a number of diseases, including
asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. It is unclear what level of exposure causes
the development of these diseases, and there is typically a long latency period between
the relevant exposure and the onset of the disease. Due to the long latency associated
with these diseases, it is expected that their incidence in the Australian population will
not peak for some time, despite the fact that asbestos is now a banned substance and
in-situ asbestos is subject to strict management procedures.
In Australia, more chrysotile than amphibole asbestos was mined until 1939. New South
Wales, the first State to mine asbestos, produced the largest tonnages of chrysotile
(until 1983) as well as smaller quantities of amphibole (until 1949). With the
commencement of mining at Wittenoom, Western Australia in 1937, crocidolite
dominated production until final closure of the mine in 1966. In addition to what was
mined, Australia also imported chrysotile from Canada and crocidolite and amosite from
South Africa. Consumption peaked in about 1975 at 70,000 tons per year (Leigh et al.
2002).
Australia also imported many manufactured asbestos-containing products, including
cement articles, yarn, cord and fabric, joint and millboard, friction materials and gaskets.
The main sources of supply were the United Kingdom, US, Federal Republic of Germany
and Japan. With the closing of the crocidolite mine4at Wittenoom, Australian asbestos
production and exports declined. Imports of chrysotile also started to decline (Leigh et
al. 2002).
In Australia, over 60% of all production and 90% of all consumption of asbestos fibres
occurred in the asbestos cement manufacturing industry (Hughes, 1978 in Leigh et. al.
2002).
4
From about 1940 to the late 1960s amosite, crocidolite and chrysotile were all used in
this industry. Crocidolite was phased out from 1967; Amosite was used until the mid-
1980s and chrysotile until about 1987. Much of the industry output remains in service
today in the form of “fibro” houses and water and sewerage piping. By 1954 Australia
had the fourth highest consumption of asbestos cement products in the western world,
after the US, UK and France, and the first on a per capita basis (Leigh et. al. 2002). After
World War II in 1954, 70,000 asbestos cement houses were built in the state of NSW
alone (52% of all houses built). In Australia as a whole, until the 1960s, 25% of all new
housing was clad in asbestos cement [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)].
Reports of asbestos use internationally go back as far as 2500 BC, when it is believed
that asbestos was used to make pottery (Lemen & Bingham, 1994).
Modern uses of asbestos began in the mid-1800s when it was used as a packing
material. The use of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) was progressively expanded
up until the middle of the twentieth century (Vitra, 2006).
Through most of the 19th century, Canada dominated the production and export of
asbestos products, however, during the 20th century, the US was the largest market
economy and world user of asbestos (Vitra, 2006). The Soviet Union (later Russia)
became the largest consumer of asbestos products in 1970, and the largest producer
since 1975. Several other countries (including Canada, China and Brazil) continue to
mine asbestos despite the known health risks associated with its use (Vitra, 2006).
In 1996 the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed to work with other inter-
governmental organizations in order to eliminate asbestos related diseases. Part of this
strategy involves the effective management and control of asbestos. While production
and consumption of asbestos products continue in several countries, a number of
countries have adopted bans on the importation and use of asbestos products. With a
few technical exemptions, bans have been adopted in over 40 countries, including
Australia and all member states of the European Union (ACT Asbestos Task Force, 2005).
Less stringent regulations have been adopted in other countries. There have also been
calls for an international ban on asbestos to be introduced and enforced (BWI & IBAS,
2006).
5
Is it dangerous?
Current scientific and medical
evidence supports the fact that
simply living or working in a
building that contains asbestos
is not dangerous as long as the
asbestos is in good condition
(i.e. undamaged, undisturbed).
It is when asbestos is handled or
disturbed and asbestos fibres
are released that the risk of
developing an asbestos related
disease is increased.
While most cases of asbestos
related diseases result from
sustained workplace exposure, some asbestos related diseases, particularly
mesothelioma, can result from brief periods of breathing in asbestos fibres.
To minimize the chance of anyone being exposed to asbestos, it is very important that
DIY home renovators prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air.
6
The two types of materials containing
asbestos
There are two types of materials used in housing
construction that contain asbestos.
1. Bonded (tightly bound) asbestos Bonded materials containing asbestos are the most
common in domestic houses. They are mainly made
up of a bonding compound (such as cement), with
typically up to 15% asbestos. Bonded materials
containing asbestos are solid, quite rigid and the
asbestos fibres are tightly bound in the material.
They are commonly called 'fibro', 'asbestos cement'
and 'AC sheeting'.
2. Loosely bound (friable) asbestos Loosely bound materials containing asbestos are not
commonly found in domestic houses. They were primarily used in commercial and
industrial settings for fire proofing, sound proofing and insulation, but can be found in
some old domestic heaters, stoves, hot water systems and associated pipe lagging and
in the backing of vinyl and linoleum floor coverings.
These materials can be made of up to 100% asbestos. They are quite loose and can be
turned to dust with very light pressure, such as crushing with your hand. Loosely bound
materials containing asbestos are very dangerous as the asbestos fibres can get into the
air very easily. They must only be handled and removed by an asbestos removalist with
an ‘A Class Licence’.
Example of corrugated asbestos
cement (a bonded material
containing asbestos) - (Image
courtesy of Dept. of Human Services,
Victoria)
7
Asbestos in the home Approximately, one third of all homes built in Australia contain asbestos products. As a
general rule, if your house was built before the mid-1980s, it is highly likely that it may
have some asbestos containing materials (ACM). If your house was built between the
mid-1980s and 1990, it is likely that it may have asbestos containing materials. If your
house was built after 1990, it is unlikely that it would have asbestos containing
materials.
The use of ACMs in the home has been extensive and there are many areas in the home
where ACMs can be found including (but not limited to):
Roof sheeting and capping
Guttering
Gables, eaves/soffits water pipes and flues
Wall sheeting (flat or a whiteboard style)
Vinyl sheet flooring
Carpet and tile underlays
Zelemite backing boards to the switchboards
Flexible building boards
Imitation brick cladding
Fencing
Carports and sheds
Waterproof membrane
Telecommunications pits
Some window putty
Expansion joints
Packing under beams
Concrete formwork
It is not possible to determine whether a material contains asbestos by simply looking at
it. The only way to be sure is to get a sample tested by a National Association of Testing
Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory.
8
Asbestos in the workplace The Work Health Safety (WHS) Regulations set out the training and competency
requirements for asbestos assessors, asbestos removal workers and supervisors. Under
the Regulations, two licences have been established - Class A and Class B. Businesses
with an A Class licence are permitted to remove all types of asbestos, including both
friable and non-friable asbestos. Businesses with a Class B licence can only remove non-
friable asbestos.
The WHS Regulations also created a new licence category for asbestos assessors. The
role of the licensed asbestos assessor is to carry out air monitoring and clearance
inspections following removal of friable asbestos.
In addition, Safe Work Australia has developed two model Codes of Practice to provide
practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking who have duties
under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations.
How can asbestos affect my health? Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The
risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and the
risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is also greater if you smoke. People who
get health problems from inhaling asbestos have usually been exposed to high levels of
asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until
about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
When does asbestos pose a risk to health? Asbestos fibres can pose a risk to health if airborne, as inhalation is the main way that
asbestos enters the body. Small quantities of asbestos fibres are present in the air at all
times, and are being breathed by everyone without any ill effects. Most people are
exposed to very small amounts of asbestos as they go about their daily lives and do not
develop asbestos-related health problems. Finding that your home or workplace is
made from fibrous products does not mean your health is at risk.
9
Studies have shown that these products, if in sound condition and left undisturbed, are
not a significant health risk. If the asbestos fibres remain firmly bound in cement,
generally you do not need to remove the fibro.
People who have suffered health effects from exposure to asbestos have generally
worked in either the asbestos mining or milling industry, worked in industries involved
in making or installing asbestos products, or are from the immediate families of these
people. In all of these situations, there was exposure to high levels of airborne dust, from either
the processes involved or from the clothes of the workers.
Regulation of asbestos in Australia Exposures to asbestos in the past were very high in some Australian industries and
occupations. For example, there have been as much as 25 million particles per cubic
foot (150 fibres/ml) in asbestos pulverisers and disintegrators in the asbestos cement
industry (Roberts and Whaite, 1952 quoted in Leigh et. al. 2002), and up to 600
fibres/ml in baggers at Wittenoom (Major, 1968 in Leigh et.al. 2002). However, the
recognition of the associated health risks led to a series of regulations being adopted
nationally in the late 1970s. Exposure limits of 0.1 fibres/ml for crocidolite and amosite;
and 1.0 fibres/ml for chrysotile were imposed. In July 2003 a revised national exposure
standard for chrysotile asbestos of 0.1 fibres/ml was declared by the National
Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC).
In 2001, NOHSC declared a prohibition on all uses of chrysotile asbestos from 31
December 2003, subject to a very limited range of exemptions, and confirmed earlier
prohibitions of the use of amosite and crocidolite asbestos.
The prohibition of chrysotile was adopted simultaneously under regulations in each
Australian OHS jurisdiction, as well as Australian Customs, on 31 December 2003. The
prohibition does not extend to ACMs in situ at the time prohibition took effect and is
subject to a very limited range of exemptions. Since 1988, NOHSC, and then the ASCC,
has provided detailed guidance material to minimize occupational exposures to
asbestos.
10
This material was revised in 2005 and includes national codes of practice for the safe
removal of asbestos and for the management and control of asbestos in workplaces
[NOHSC: 2018 (2005)] and [NOHSC: 2002 (2005)]. It also includes a Guidance Note on
the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres 2nd Edition
[NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].
Australia, the US, the European Union and the UK have had policies and standards for
asbestos management in place since the 1980s, or earlier, and are the most advanced in
their management processes (ACT Asbestos Task Force, 2005).
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US has regulated
exposure to asbestos since 1971 and has modified its standards several times since in
response to new information about asbestos and the associated risks becoming
available (Martonik et al., 2001). All of these countries restrict who is able to undertake
work with asbestos materials and have strict training requirements in place.
As a result of its high level of asbestos consumption in the past, Australia has a legacy of
a large volume of in situ asbestos in the form of ACMs in buildings (especially domestic
buildings), and in water and sewerage piping. Disturbing in situ asbestos can result in
the release of airborne asbestos fibres. As a result, State and Territory legislation
prohibits many activities involving in situ asbestos, such as drilling, boring and grinding.
The removal of in situ asbestos and the renovation/demolition of buildings containing
these materials is also known to increase the risks of asbestos exposure unless
undertaken in accordance with the regulations. Information and training must be
provided to workers, contractors and others who may come into contact with ACM in
their workplaces [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)].
11
Unions have campaigned for decades about the dangers of asbestos and have
successfully banned it from Australia and helped secure long term compensation
for people affected by asbestos-related disease.
Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950s
until the 1980s. About every third domestic dwelling built between 1945 and 1987
(when the manufacture of asbestos products in Australia ceased) is thought to contain
asbestos.
Australia’s union members have been hit hard by the asbestos epidemic. Many have lost
their lives through their exposure in the workplace. Miners of asbestos have been badly
affected, but also many other tradespeople, workers and even family members of
workers. Waterside workers who loaded asbestos onto ships, mechanics that worked
with asbestos-filled brake pads, electricians and technicians in power stations that used
asbestos, as well as builders, carpenters, roofers and other tradespeople that used
‘fibro’ building products.
After many years of concerted union campaigning, the use of asbestos in Australian
workplaces was banned at the end of 2003. But more than 500 Australians die annually
from the asbestos disease mesothelioma, that rate is still increasing and the number of
deaths each year are still to peak. Even after the projected peak number of deaths each
year, people will continue to die from asbestos-related diseases for many years to come.
And now, added to all these deaths, there are serious concerns that the boom in DIY
renovations will expose more people breathing in asbestos. Home renovators
contracting asbestos related diseases are already being called the ‘fourth wave’ of
sufferers.
12
Asbestos Related Diseases Asbestos related diseases characteristically develop over a long period of time. The first
symptoms may not appear for from anything between 10 and 50 years. Peak mortality
rates are expected between the years 2010 and 2020.
The list of diseases includes:
1. Mesothelioma
2. Asbestosis
3. Lung Cancer
4. Laryngeal Cancer
5. Ovarian Cancer
6. Testes Cancer
7. Pleural plaques
8. Pleural thickening
9. Pleural effusion
13
Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen caused
by asbestos exposure. It occurs due to some inhaled fibres, which penetrate to the lung
walls and cause cancer in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma has:
High association with amphibole asbestos (brown and blue)
Can take up to 45 years to develop after initial exposure
Extremely aggressive (“Turbo charged”) cancer
No relation to smoking
Death usually occurs within 6-18 months after diagnosis
There is no cure
Red numbers:
(1) Right lung,
(2) Spine,
(3) Left lung,
(4) Ribs,
(5) Descending part of the aorta,
(6) Spleen,
(7) Left kidney,
(8) Right kidney,
(9) Liver.
The mesothelioma is indicated by yellow arrows, the central pleural effusion (fluid
collection) is marked with a yellow star.
14
Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the protective
sac that surrounds the body's internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, stomach and
reproductive organs. The mesothelium is made up of two layers of cells; one layer
immediately covers the organ and the other forms the sac around it.
The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid between the layers, allowing movement
of the organs so that they can move easily within the body, such as the inflating and
deflating lungs, or beating heart against surrounding structures.
The vast majority of people develop mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos
fibres. The fibres lodge in a patient's body either through inhalation or swallowing,
affecting the lungs, stomach and/or reproductive organs. Exposure to asbestos often
occurs 20 to 40 years prior to the mesothelioma diagnosis.
There are several different types of mesothelioma, including:
1. Mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects a patient's lungs and is the most
common form of mesothelioma
2. Mesothelioma of the peritoneum, which affects a patient's abdomen;
3. Mesothelioma of the pericardium, which affects a patient's heart and is an
extremely rare form of mesothelioma; and
4. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (men) or the tunica serosa uteri
(women), which affects a patient's reproductive organs and is also an
extremely rare form of mesothelioma.
15
Mesothelioma cancer, encompassing the lungs, over a series of x-rays
16
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Courtesy: Dr Daniel Sterman USA
17
Facts about White Asbestos and Mesothelioma
18
Asbestosis
Asbestosis causes:
Total lung volume reduced
Shortness of breath, coughing, phlegm and lung infections
Cyanosis (blue skin coloration) through oxygen starvation
Places tremendous strain on the heart muscle
Eventually asbestos leads to a painful death generally by heart failure
All types of asbestos cause a similar fibrosis
Usually appears 10-20 years after high exposure
Smoking increases the risk of death from asbestosis
It is progressive and does not reverse
There is no treatment
19
Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic medical condition affecting the
parenchymal tissue of the lungs caused by the inhalation and retention of asbestos
fibres. It usually occurs after high intensity and/or long-term exposure to asbestos
(particularly in those individuals working on the production or end-use of products
containing asbestos) and is therefore regarded as an occupational lung disease. People
with extensive exposure to the mining, manufacturing, handling or removal of asbestos
are at risk of developing asbestosis.
Sufferers may experience severe dyspnea (shortness of breath) and are at an increased
risk for certain malignancies, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestosis
specifically refers to interstitial (parenchymal) fibrosis from asbestosis, and not pleural
fibrosis or plaquing.
The signs and symptoms of asbestosis do not manifest until after an appreciable latency
(time since first exposure), often several decades. The primary symptom of asbestosis is
generally the slow onset of dyspnea, especially on exertion. Clinically advanced cases of
asbestosis may lead to respiratory failure. On auscultation of the lungs, the physician
may hear inspiratory rales.
The characteristic pulmonary function finding in asbestosis is a restrictive ventilatory
defect. This manifests as a reduction in lung volumes, particularly the Vital Capacity (VC)
and Total Lung Capacity (TLC). The TLC may be reduced through the alveolar wall
thickening; however, this is not always the case. Large airway function, as reflected by
FEV1/FVC, is generally well preserved. In the more severe cases, the drastic reduction in
lung function due to the stiffening of the lungs and reduced TLC may induce right-sided
heart failure (cor pulmonale). In addition to a restrictive defect, asbestosis may produce
a reduction in Diffusion Capacity and arterial hypoxemia.
Asbestosis is the scarring of lung tissue (around terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts)
resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibres. There are two types of fibres:
amphibole (thin and straight) and serpentine (curved).
The former are primarily responsible for human disease as they are able to penetrate
deeply into the lungs.
20
When such fibres reach the alveoli (air sacs) in the lung, where oxygen is transferred
into the blood, the foreign bodies (asbestos fibres) cause the activation of the lung's
local immune system and provoke an inflammatory reaction. This inflammatory reaction
can be described as chronic rather than acute, with a slow ongoing progression of the
immune system in an attempt to eliminate the foreign fibres.
Macrophages phagocytose (ingest) the fibres and stimulate fibroblasts to deposit
connective tissue. Due to the asbestos fibres' natural resistance to digestion, the
macrophage dies off, releasing cytokines and attracting further lung macrophages and
fibrolastic cells to lay down fibrous tissue, which eventually forms a fibrous mass. The
result is interstitial fibrosis. The fibrotic scar tissue causes alveolar walls to thicken, which
reduces elasticity and gas diffusion, reducing oxygen transfer to the blood as well as the removal of
carbon dioxide.
X-ray of Asbestosis.
21
Pleural Plaques
Pleural Plaques quite common Benign growths that rarely produce symptoms. They are
unrelated to appearance of scar tissue. They produce discrete patches of thickening of
the lining of the chest wall and diaphragms in the pleural membranes that surround the
lungs
Lung Cancer (not asbestos related)
Lung Cancer is very common in the general public and is the most frequent cause
of death from cancer, particularly in cigarette smokers. There is a close association
between asbestos and lung cancer (about 50% of people dying from or with asbestosis
have a lung cancer at post mortem).
Lung cancer facts;
1. Asbestos fibres enter the lung and alter the cells
2. Unless it can be surgically removed very early, it tends to spread by blood and
lymph and lead to early death
3. Smoking greatly increases the risk
4. May take 20-25 years to develop
5. Is nearly always fatal
22
Therapies There are various therapy possibilities readily available and Asbestos-wise recommends
that you liaise using the suitable medical team. A single remedy isn't necessarily
appropriate for all folks and at times many distinct combinations are appropriate based
on personal selection and presenting illness. Outlined beneath can be a simple overview
of many of the remedies offered.
Standard medicine There are various solutions and they differ considerably based on individual cases. There
is extensive research in the therapy selections for mesothelioma and these selections
should be discussed along with your oncologist, as they're not normally appropriate for
all cases. Some examples of standard medicine within the therapy of asbestos
associated ailments are:
Radiotherapy, chemotherapy
Photodynamic therapy
Surgery (lobectomy, pneumonectomy and extrapleural pneumonectomy)
There are actually various ways to detect lung and pleural illness like:
Physical examination
Chest X-ray
Pulmonary function tests
Biopsy/Bronchoscopy
Computed Tomography Scans (CT Scan)
Complementary and Alternative Medicines Complementary and Alternative Medicines is a group of diverse healthcare practices
and merchandise that are not thought of to become a part of conventional medicine.
Conventional medicine is practiced by a registered medical doctor, or other allied health
professional.
23
Complementary therapy is utilized as an adjunct to standard medicine, though an
alternative medicine is used in place of traditional medicine.
Examples of complementary and option therapies and disciplines involve:
Alternative medical systems: such as Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese medicine,
Ayurveda and Homeopathy
Mind-body interventions: like patient assistance groups, cognitive-behavioural
therapy meditation, prayer, mental healing and therapies that use creative
outlets including art, music or dance
Biological-based therapies: such as herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary
supplements
Manipulative and body-based strategies: which includes therapeutic massage,
chiropractic and osteopathy, and
Energy therapies: including acupuncture, therapeutic touch, reiki, qi-gong,
electromagnetic fields and magnetic fields
(The Senate report around the inquiry into services and treatment solutions for
persons with cancer, June 2005, Submission 45, pp 5-6: The Gawler Foundation)
Different forms of asbestos material, different risk levels
If asbestos fibres are in a stable material such as bonded in asbestos-cement sheeting
such as fibro and in good condition they pose little health risk. However where fibro or
other bonded asbestos sheeting is broken, damaged or mishandled fibres can become
loose and airborne posing a risk to health. Disturbing or removing it unsafely can create
a hazard.
In materials such as pipe lagging and sprayed roof insulation asbestos fibres are not
bound in a matrix. High concentrations of fibres are much more likely to be released
into the atmosphere when these materials are disturbed or removed.
24
Get to understand Asbestos - The 20 Point Asbestos Safety Check
1. At least 1 in 3 Australian homes contain of asbestos including brick,
weatherboard, fibro and clad houses.
2. Asbestos was broadly used in constructing components before 1987 so in case
your house was constructed or renovated ahead of 1987 it probably contains
asbestos.
3. If asbestos is disturbed through renovations or maintenance your well-being
and also the well-being of your family could possibly be at threat.
4. DIY just isn't advisable where asbestos is present.
5. When renovating or living in and about properties, if in doubt assume
asbestos components are present and take each and every precaution.
6. Dealing with asbestos is important and severe, but it’s not overwhelming - It is
MANAGEABLE!
7. If you’re not confident if asbestos is inside your dwelling it is possible to have
it inspected by a licensed removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor, such as
Safe Asbestos Management.
8. Products made from asbestos cement involve fibro sheeting (flat and
corrugated), drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles, guttering and floor and
wall coverings. It may very well be anywhere!
25
9. If you come across asbestos in your home; Do not drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t
sand it! Don’t saw it! Do not scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Do not dismantle it!
Don’t tip it! Do not water blast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do…
Don’t dump it!
10. If left undisturbed asbestos supplies in a stable situation are unlikely to
release harmful fibres and pose an overall health danger. Subsequent, you
don’t need to get rid of the asbestos. Paint it and leave it alone but keep in
mind to check it sometimes for any signs of wear and tear.
11. There are legal needs concerning asbestos management, its removal and
disposal.
12. While some may well follow the regulations and security requirements to take
away small amounts of asbestos, the safest solution to handle its removal
would be to retain a licensed professional asbestos removalist equipped to
protect you as well as your family members in the dangers of asbestos dust
and fibres, such as Safe Asbestos Management.
13. Where asbestos fibres are friable ONLY licensed friable asbestos removalists
should be contracted to take away it.
14. Professional removal of asbestos is affordable. You can’t afford NOT to use a
professional! What price do you put on your health?
15. The expense of asbestos removal by a licensed professional is comparable to
most licensed tradesmen (includes electricians, plumbers and builders).
26
16. The price of disposal at a lawful site is often included with all the price of
removal by a licensed expert removalist, such as Safe Asbestos Management.
17. Never use tools on asbestos supplies as they are going to make asbestos
fibres airborne such as: electric drills, angle grinders, circular saws and
sanders. By no means use higher pressure water blasters or compressed air.
18. Don’t play renovation roulette! Think smart. Consider protected. - Because it’s
not worth the risk
Asbestos Labs
Below is a list of Australian laboratories offering asbestos testing and analysis
services. Following page details how to take a sample for laboratory analysis.
NSW
Envirolab Services
12 Ashley Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
Phone: (61) (2) 9910 6200
Fax: (61) (2) 9910 6201
Mobile: 0400 88 5292
Website: www.envirolabservices.com.au
Geo-Logix Environmental Consultants
Unit 2309/ 4 Daydream Street
Building Q2, Level 3
Warriewood NSW 2102
Phone: (61) 9979 1722
Fax: (61) 9979 1222
Website: http://www.geo-logix.com.au/
NSW Laboratory
Level 1, 9 Park Avenue
Coffs Harbour 2450 NSW
Enquiries: 1300 138 366
Website: www.nswlaboratory.com
Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Newcastle
Level 3, 51-55 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: +61 2 4929 8300
Website: www.pb.com.au
Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Sydney
Level 27, Ernst & Young Centre
680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
27
Phone: +61 2 9272 5100
Website: www.pb.com.au
Safe Environments Pty Ltd
Unit 6 The Hub
128 Station Road
Seven Hills NSW 2147
Phone: 02 9624 2600
Fax: 02 9624 2700
Website:
www.SafeEnvironments.com.au/asbestos-
check
Safety & Environmental Services Australia
Pty Ltd
Unit 15, 3 Kaleski Street
Moorebank, NSW 2170
Phone: 02 8747 0360
FAX: 02 9770 4637
Mobile: 0406 367 247
Website: www.sesa.com.au
SGS Australia Pty Ltd
SGS Environmental Services
Sydney Laboratory
16/33 Maddox Street, ALEXANDRIA
NSW 2015
Phone: (02) 8594 0400
Website: www.au.sgs.com
QLD
Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Queensland
Level 4, 69 Ann Street, Brisbane 4000
Telephone: 07 3854 6200
website: www.pb.com.au
Queensland Laboratory (Gold Coast)
1A, 22 Ereton Drive
Arundel, QLD 4214
Ph.(61) (7) 5537 2536
Fax. (61) (7) 5537 2535
Website: www.queenslandlab.com
Queensland Laboratory (Gladstone)
20 Tank St, Gladstone Qld 4680
Enquiries: 1300 138 366
Ph: 07 4972 0329
Fax: 07 4972 9539
Website: www.queenslandlab.com
SGS Australia Pty Ltd
SGS Environmental Services
Cairns Laboratory
2/58 Comport Street, CAIRNS
QLD 4870
Phone: (07) 4035 5111
Website: www.au.sgs.com
SGS Australia Pty. Ltd.
Environment and OHS
17 Chain Street
Mackay, QLD 4740
Phone: (07) 4951 5414
Website: www.au.sgs.com
TAS
SGS Australia Pty Ltd
SGS Environmental Services
Bell Bay Power Station Laboratory
East Tamar Highway,
BELL BAY
TAS 7253
28
Phone: (08) 9373 3592
Website: www.au.sgs.com
VIC
Identifibre Pty. Ltd.
Suite 9, Level 1, 469 King Street
West Melbourne, Victoria 3003
tel: +61 (0)3 9328 2254
fax: +61 (0)3 9328 2612
Website: www.identifibre.com.au
Sharp and Howells Pty Ltd Unit 1, 33 Greenaway Street BULLEEN VIC 3105 NATA Lab. No. 61 Phone: (03) 9850 9722 M: 0407 477 617 Website: www.sharpandhowells.com.au Identifibre Pty. Ltd.
Suite 9, Level 1, 469 King Street
West Melbourne, Victoria 3003
tel: +61 (0)3 9328 2254
fax: +61 (0)3 9328 2612
Website: www.identifibre.com.au
Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Victoria
Level 15, 28 Freshwater Place
Southbank 3006
Telephone: 03 9861 1111
website: www.pb.com.au
SGS Australia Pty Ltd
SGS Environmental Services
34 Norfolk Court, COBURG
VIC 3058
Phone: (03) 9350 4800
Website: www.au.sgs.com
Mairin OHS&E Consulting Pty Ltd
NATA facility Reg 15727
18-20 Kirk Street, Moe
Victoria 3825
Mobile: 0408 692 662
Phone: 03 5127 2311
Fax: 03 5127 2399
WA
Analytical Reference Laboratory (WA)
46-48 Banksia Rd
Welshpool WA 6106
ph: (08) 6253 4444
Website: www.arlwa.com.au
Microanalysis Australia Pty Ltd
Suite 6, 642 Albany Hwy
Victoria Park WA 6100
Phone: (+61) (8) 9472 4880
(Office/Laboratory)
Website: www.microanalysis.com.au
MPL Laboratories
16-18 Hayden Court Myaree WA 6154
Australia
Tel. (+61) (8) 9317 2505 Fax (+61)(8) 9317
4163
Website: http://www.coffey.com/our-
businesses/mpl/mpl-laboratories/about-us
Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Western Australia
Level 5, 503 Murray Street
Perth 6000
29
Telephone: 08 9489 9700
Website: www.pb.com.au
SGS Australia Pty Ltd
SGS Environmental Services
Newburn Laboratory
10 Reid Road
Perth International Airport
Newburn WA 6105
Phone: (08) 9373 3500
Website: www.au.sgs.com
Emission Assessments Pty Ltd
Unit 6, 35 Sustainable Avenue
Bibra Lake WA 6163
Phone: Telephone +61 8 9494 2958
Fax: +61 8 9494 2959
Website:
www.emissionassessments.com.au
Lifetree Environmental Pty Ltd
Address: 12 Whyalla Street, Willetton Perth
WA
email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 6228 1904
Fax: (08) 6323 1028
Website:
http://www.lifetreeenvironmental.com.au/
30
HOW TO TAKE AN ASBESTOS SAMPLE FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS There will be a time when a suspicious material needs to be positively identified as
either containing asbestos or not containing asbestos. Clues on how to identify asbestos
and non-asbestos building materials have been given. Though these maybe be good for
an initial assessment, ultimately the only way to determine if a material contains
asbestos fibres or not is to have it laboratory tested.
Proper analysis of asbestos can only be done with some highly specialized equipment.
Depending on the type of sample to be analysed, these methods include:
Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM)
Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM)
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer microanalysis (EDS)
Below left: Asbestos (crocidolite) fibres as seen using Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM).
Below right: Asbestos insulation board magnified.
Photo Credits: sarflondondunc
31
Four good reasons for sampling suspicious materials:
Occupational health and safety During a renovation or demolition you should make clear whether or not any suspicious
material contains asbestos. Any material with a positive result will need to be dealt with
carefully during removal and disposal. Not only is this vital for DIY (Do it Yourself)
renovators, but for any subcontractors working on your site with any suspicious
material. A laboratory report with a negative result will go a long way to convincing
subcontractors they do not need to worry about working with asbestos.
Disposal and demolition clearance Asbestos has become increasingly harder and more expensive to dispose of. For
example, many profiles of Hardiflex and Hardifence are difficult to distinguish between
those containing asbestos and those made from safe cellulose based material. Many
waste disposal operators specifically state not to dispose of any asbestos products with
general waste as this may cause an entire skip bin or truck load to be rejected at the
refuse site. A laboratory report will make clear any asbestos and non-asbestos material.
Also, any old hessian carpet underlay, vinyl tiles and lino may contain asbestos which
may concern waste disposal operators.
If you’re hiring a skip bin to dispose of a large amount of non-asbestos fibre cement
sheeting for example, a lab report will provide some documented evidence of the
composition, if some question is raised by the disposal company.
Sale of property. Generally any asbestos present on a property or material suspected of
being asbestos will detract from the sale price. A negative lab result (no asbestos
detected) of suspicious material increase the value of the property, using asbestos free
fibro for any future renovations and/or additions will be less stressful, easier and
increase the value to any property.
32
How to take a sample for laboratory analysis. Equipment you need:
Pliers, resealable plastic bags, P2 respirator mask with disposable cartridge, disposable rubber gloves,
PVA glue, plastic drop sheet, water spray bottle.
33
Preparation:
1. Lay down a plastic drop sheet to catch any loose material that may fall off
while sampling.
2. Put on respirator mask and disposable gloves.
3. If you’re doing a particularly dirty job or overhead sampling then wear a pair
of disposable coveralls.
4. Turn off any fans or air conditioning if you’re inside. If outside, then sample on
a non-windy day.
5. Sampling procedure:
6. Dampen down the area with the water spray bottle.
7. Remove a thumbnail sized piece of material with the pliers. For fibre cement
sheeting, take the sample from a corner edge or along an existing hole or
crack.
8. Place sample into a resealable plastic bag seal and enclose it
9. Double bag the sample along with date and location information and asbestos
caution warning.
10. Procedure for sampling fibre cement.
34
35
Sampling for asbestos in lino (and lino underlay) and vinyl tiles.
Some older lino and lino underlay/backing may contain asbestos as do some older vinyl tiles. To take a
sample, find an open edge of the lino and snip off a triangular shape. If you can’t find an open edge
then try using a hole punch to take a sample. With vinyl tiles, use a stanley trimmer to cut a corner off
and then lift it carefully with a paint scraper. A hole punch may also be work. It may also be wise to take
a few samples from different locations so that you have a representative sample size.
36
Sampling carpet underlay
With revelations some carpet underlay was manufactured from hessian bags which
were used to transport raw asbestos, you may consider taking a sample for analysis
before you start ripping out any old carpet underlay.
Queensland Laboratory has written great guide to sampling carpet underlay:
Hessian Carpet Underlay – Sampling Procedure.
37
Sampling friable asbestos
If you’re unfortunate enough to encounter friable asbestos, then extra care should be
taken. Friable asbestos is loosely bound material that can easily be crumbled or crushed
by hand into a powder when dry and therefore has the potential to release asbestos
fibres quite easily. Friable asbestos may be found in such places as old heaters and
stoves, fuse boxes, ceiling insulation, acoustic ceiling tiles, lagging on hot water pipes
and some types of decorative ceilings.
Above: Old hot water pipe lagging and decorative ceilings may contain friable asbestos.
Photos: sarflondondunc
If you encounter any of this, then it is strongly recommend calling in a professional
asbestos consultant, as friable asbestos should be treated with care. Also keep in mind
Australian states require friable asbestos must be removed by a licensed removalist with
an A class certificate.
38
Procedure:
1. Turn off any fans or air conditioning and close any doors or windows.
2. Lay down a plastic drop sheet to collect any spillage.
3. Spray sampling area with water to reduce dust.
4. Use tweezers, pliers or scissors to take a sample and put into bag, then seal it.
Double bag this along with an asbestos warning, date and location.
5. Seal sampled area with PVA/water solution.
6. Clean up and dispose of everything thoughtfully.
Bagging your Samples.
Above: Double bag the sample along with a warning label, date and location.
Clean up:
1. Seal the edges with PVA glue where the sample was taken.
2. Carefully wrap up the plastic drop sheet with tape and then put this into
another plastic rubbish bag.
3. Wipe down the tools and equipment with a dampened rag.
4. Place disposable gloves into rubbish bag along dampened rag and drop sheet.
5. Seal plastic bag.
39
6. Wash hands and clothing.
7. Keep respirator on until clean-up is completed
Laboratory cost and results. A complete laboratory analysis with a report costing from $169 depending on the type
of sample submitted and type of analysis method used. TEM/SEM (Transmitted Electron
Method/ Scattered Electron Method) analysis will be more expensive than PLM (Particle
Light Method) analysis.