5 Warning Signs Of Asbestos And When To Act
Identifying the presence of asbestos in your surroundings is crucial for safeguarding your well-bein...
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30+ Years
- Est. 1995
During the Industrial Revolution, asbestos was mined and manufactured in massive amounts. People liked it because it was ‘flameproof’, waterproof and resistant to chemicals and electricity. Most importantly, it was malleable – an excellent product for insulating boilers and engines, and for building and binding things.
Once asbestos mining became mechanised, it became a cheap and widespread product. However, the link between asbestos and ill health was not thoroughly investigated until the early 20th century. Many New Zealand workers were exposed to asbestos in railway workshops, in the building industry, shipping, sawmilling and asbestos cement industries. Wharf workers unloading asbestos from ships, fitters, electricians, boiler workers, carpenters, brake repairers and others were also exposed to asbestos.Â
Common Super Six roof panels: These deteriorate over time and their tendency to attract moss and lichen makes water-blasting and an attractive, but very hazardous, cleaning option. This type of cleaning releases Asbestos not only into your own property, but into any neighbouring properties also.
Officially, asbestos awareness in New Zealand started in the 1930s. In 1938, the Report of the Interdepartmental Committee on Silicosis linked asbestos with deadly lung conditions. The government report said asbestosis is a disease similar to silicosis, and asbestos is capable of producing a ‘deadly pulmonary disease.’
Breathing in airborne asbestos fibres is a serious risk to health. Once the fibres are breathed in, they lodge in the lungs and may cause diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma (the cancer caused by asbestos). Most asbestos-related diseases take around 20 years before their symptoms start to show. Because symptoms are not immediate, it is easy for the hazard to go unnoticed leading to prolonged exposure.
The health risks increase when:
All types of asbestos can cause asbestos-related diseases. Exposure can occur through both environmental asbestos exposure and secondary asbestos exposure. In 2010 around 170 people died of asbestos-related diseases.Â
Raw asbestos was first imported into New Zealand in the late 1930s. It was used to make products that comprised of asbestos mixed with cement. These products were manufactured until the mid-1980s.
Buildings built, altered or refurbished from 1940 until the mid-1980s are likely to contain ACMs. Buildings built after 1 January 2000 are less likely to contain ACMs, but some buildings built after this time may contain ACMs.
There are two common types of asbestos found in building materials: Bonded and Friable. These are both manufactured forms of asbestos which were designed to offer different benefits to in different roles. Bonded and friable asbestos require different, professional removal processes.
Bonded Asbestos
This is mixed with cement or other hard materials and is commonly found in ceilings, wall linings, and roof tiles. It’s generally safe if left undisturbed but becomes hazardous when damaged, sanded, or cut.
Friable Asbestos
The word friable simply means able to be crumbled or powdered easily. This is softer, crumbly asbestos is far more dangerous. It breaks apart easily and releases fibres into the air with minimal disturbance. It’s often found in insulation, textured coatings, or sprayed-on ceiling finishes.
No mater which type of Asbestos you may have, never disturb or try to remove suspected asbestos yourself. Even small fibres, once airborne, can pose long-term health risks. If you're unsure, we can arrange an inspection before any removal work begins.
Asbestos isn’t always easy to spot. It was commonly used in textured ceilings, wall sheeting, soffits, insulation, vinyl flooring, and even some exterior cladding. If your home was built or renovated before 2000, it’s best to assume asbestos might be present until proven otherwise.
Some signs to watch for include:
For more information about where to find Asbestos, view our lists of common Asbestos locations for Residential Homes and Commercial Properties.
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