Merewether is one of Newcastle’s most iconic suburbs, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant community, and diverse range of homes. While many residents enjoy the beauty of their surroundings, there’s a potential hazard lurking in older properties that could pose serious health risks: asbestos.
Asbestos was once a popular building material in Australian homes due to its fire-resistant properties, strength, and low cost. However, after its link to serious health conditions became clear, it was banned in Australia in 2003. Despite the ban, many older homes in Merewether may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), posing a significant risk to homeowners, renovators, and tenants.
If you own or manage property in Merewether, it’s vital to understand the risks associated with asbestos and why you should always rely on a licensed removal expert like Asbestaway for safe and compliant asbestos removal.
In this blog, we’ll explain what asbestos is, where it can be found in your Merewether home, the health risks involved, and why choosing a licensed asbestos removal company like Asbestaway is crucial for both safety and compliance.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals made of thin, needle-like fibres that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. For decades, it was used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and even paints due to these unique properties.
However, when asbestos is disturbed—whether through renovations, damage, or deterioration—it can release microscopic fibres into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can become trapped in the lungs, leading to a range of serious health conditions, including:
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Asbestosis – A chronic lung condition causing scarring of the lung tissue and difficulty breathing.
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Mesothelioma – A rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
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Lung cancer – Prolonged exposure to asbestos is a significant risk factor for developing this deadly disease.
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Pleural plaques and thickening – Non-cancerous but indicative of asbestos exposure, leading to breathing difficulties.
Asbestos-related diseases often have long latency periods, meaning symptoms can take years, even decades, to appear. This makes early detection and removal of asbestos essential to preventing future health risks.
Asbestos in Merewether Homes
Merewether, like many parts of Newcastle, has a rich history of residential development, with many homes built during the mid-20th century—precisely the period when asbestos was widely used in construction. Many of these properties may still contain ACMs that pose hidden dangers to their occupants.
Common places where asbestos is typically found in Merewether homes include:
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Roofing – Asbestos-cement roofing sheets were widely used in older homes and garages.
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Eaves and soffits – Asbestos was commonly used in the construction of eaves and soffits, particularly in homes built in the 1960s and 1970s.
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Wall cladding – Asbestos was often used as an outer layer in weatherboards or fibro sheeting.
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Flooring – Asbestos-containing vinyl tiles or their backing can still be found in older homes.
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Insulation – Asbestos was used as insulation around hot water pipes and in attics.
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Fencing – Asbestos-cement fences are common in older homes.
In some cases, even seemingly harmless materials such as textured ceilings or certain paints can contain asbestos.
Why DIY Asbestos Removal is Dangerous
When it comes to asbestos removal, DIY is never an option. Many homeowners are tempted to tackle the job themselves, especially when they see the cost of professional removal services. However, this is incredibly dangerous and can lead to severe health risks, both to you and your family, as well as to others in the vicinity.
Here’s why DIY asbestos removal is never a good idea:
1. Health Risks
Asbestos fibres are microscopic and can easily become airborne when disturbed. If inhaled, these fibres can lead to fatal diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma. Attempting to remove asbestos without the proper safety gear, equipment, or training significantly increases the risk of exposure.
2. Legal Implications
Under Australian law, asbestos removal is strictly regulated. You cannot legally remove more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos without a proper licence. For friable asbestos (which is easily crumbled), only licensed contractors with Class A certification are allowed to remove it. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines and legal action.
3. Improper Disposal
Asbestos is considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of in a specific manner. If you attempt to dispose of it yourself without the proper processes, you risk contaminating the environment and breaking the law. Licensed removalists, like Asbestaway, ensure that all asbestos waste is double-wrapped, labelled, and transported to an approved disposal facility.
4. Inadequate Safety Procedures
Removing asbestos requires specific safety measures, such as the use of protective clothing, respirators, and containment areas to prevent the spread of fibres. Without the proper equipment and knowledge, it’s easy to contaminate other parts of the home or nearby areas.
Why Choose a Licensed Asbestos Removal Expert?
When it comes to asbestos removal in Merewether, the safest and most compliant solution is to hire a licensed asbestos removal expert. Here’s why:
1. Expertise and Experience
Licensed asbestos removalists have the training and experience to safely handle asbestos, ensuring that all removal processes meet or exceed safety standards. They understand the various types of asbestos and how to manage different situations, whether it’s bonded asbestos in roofing or friable asbestos in insulation.
2. Adherence to Regulations
In New South Wales, asbestos removal must comply with strict regulations set by SafeWork NSW and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). A licensed company like Asbestaway follows all necessary procedures and safety protocols to protect both you and the environment.
3. Comprehensive Services
A licensed asbestos removal expert provides a full-service approach, from initial inspection and testing to removal, decontamination, and final clearance. They also handle the necessary paperwork, including the clearance certificate, which verifies that your property is asbestos-free and safe to re-enter.
4. Peace of Mind
With professionals handling the asbestos removal process, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe. The risks of exposure to harmful asbestos fibres are minimised, and the job is done correctly the first time.
The Asbestaway Process: Safe, Reliable, and Efficient
At Asbestaway, we are committed to providing safe, reliable, and fully compliant asbestos removal services across Merewether and the wider Newcastle region. Here’s how our process works:
1. Asbestos Inspection and Testing
We begin with a thorough inspection of your property to identify any potential asbestos-containing materials. If necessary, we collect samples and send them to a NATA-accredited lab for testing. This ensures that any asbestos present is accurately identified.
2. Detailed Quote and Risk Management Plan
Once we’ve assessed the situation, we provide you with a clear, written quote outlining the scope of work and the necessary safety precautions. We also create a risk management plan, ensuring that we follow the safest methods for asbestos removal.
3. Asbestos Removal
Our licensed technicians use the latest equipment and protective gear to safely remove all asbestos from your property. We work quickly and efficiently, while adhering to the highest safety standards.
4. Disposal and Decontamination
After removal, all asbestos waste is carefully disposed of at a licensed facility. We ensure that your property is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated, leaving no traces of asbestos behind.
5. Clearance Certificate
Once the job is complete, we provide you with a clearance certificate, which confirms that your property is free of asbestos and safe for re-entry.
Conclusion
Asbestos remains a hidden danger in many older homes in Merewether and across Newcastle. Whether you’re renovating, selling, or simply concerned about the presence of asbestos in your property, it’s essential to hire a licensed professional like Asbestaway for safe and compliant asbestos removal.
By choosing Asbestaway, you ensure that the job is done right the first time, protecting both your health and your property. Don’t risk the dangers of DIY asbestos removal—trust the experts to keep your home safe and asbestos-free.