I hope that you may be able to help promote the final week of the first National Asbestos Awareness Month.
It is a government-initiated campaign started after a study, recently published by Dr Anthony Johnson et al in the Medical Journal of Australia, found that exposure to asbestos fibres was very common during home renovations, particularly in the DIY setting.
The motto for this year’s campaign is ‘Don’t Play Renovators’ Roulette’.
Many wrongly believe only fibro homes contain asbestos. Asbestos products can most likely be found in any Australian home built or renovated before 1987, even brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad homes: in garages, kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, walls, eaves, fences and under wall and floor coverings. It could be anywhere!
With Australia having one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world, unless home owners start taking this warning seriously, the number of Australians diagnosed with mesothelioma (an incurable asbestos-related cancer) will continue to rise.
In support, Breathe Easy is holding a Blue Lamington drive.
This week we will be presenting a dozen blue lamingtons to each of the six local councils in the region to raise asbestos awareness. On Thursday 28 we will be visiting Ballina Shire Council, Richmond Valley Council and Lismore City Council and on Friday 29 Byron Shire Council, Tweed Shire Council and Kyogle Council as a way of showing appreciation for the work local government plays in asbestos awareness and hazardous waste management.
So if you’re thinking of renovating your home, don’t play renovator roulette, visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au.
Kylie Rolls, Breathe Easy Occupational Hygienist Services, Ocean Shores
