The City of Canada Bay is getting behind National Asbestos Month and urging homeowners, renovators and tradies to get to know asbestos, says Mayor Angelo Tsirekas.
“There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres and we are encouraging anyone who may come into contact with it to take a 20-point safety check to learn how to protect themselves,” he said.
“With around one in three Australian homes containing asbestos, many people are putting themselves at risk when doing home renovations, maintenance and demolition if they release dangerous asbestos dust into the environment.”
The Asbestos Education Committee has developed a website: which offers tips and information about how to protect yourself from exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling dangerous asbestos dust and fibres can lead to a range of diseases, including mesothelioma which a cancer affecting the lungs – and there is no cure.
Peter Dunphy, Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee commended the City of Canada Bay for its commitment to informing residents about the dangers of asbestos.
“We know that Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world because Australia was among the highest consumers of asbestos products until a complete ban of asbestos came into force in 2003,” he said.
“It’s vital that homeowners, renovators, tradesmen and handymen ‘Get to kNOw Asbestos this November’ and visit the website to learn where it might be found in homes and how to manage it.”
To support Asbestos Month and learn more visit: