Asbestos has struck a new wave of victims in Australia, as unsuspecting home renovators are exposed to airborne fibres known to cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos is found in most Australian homes built prior to 1980, and asbestos fibres can be deadly if inhaled.
Seeking to raise awareness for local councils the NSW state government has compiled a policy on the best method for disposing of asbestos.
Don Page, New South Wales Minster for Local Government, launched a new Model Asbestos Policy for local councils on Monday. The guidelines place an emphasis on safe asbestos removal in NSW, and advises all home renovators to leave asbestos disposal to the experts to minimise the risk of mesothelioma.
The policy also highlights the role councils should play in waste disposal, emergency responses and raising awareness about the threat posed by asbestos.
It is estimated that in Australia, there will be 25,000 deaths from asbestos-related diseases over the next 40 years in addition to the 4,700 deaths that have occurred due to mesothelioma since the late 1980’s.
Major contributor to the policy, Dr Nico van Zandwijk estimate that Australia has enough asbestos waste to fill 300,000 jumbo jets.
Mesothelioma compensation in NSW highlights the multiple people suffering asbestos conditions in New South Wales. Similar statistics are in other states, such as Victoria and South Australia.
