Asbestos lurks in more places than you think

Asbestos becomes dangerous once the fibres are disturbed, become airborne and are then inhaled, which can happen if you’re sanding, drilling, cutting or sawing asbestos.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and inhaling asbestos fibres is associated with diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. If you’re renovating an older home that may contain asbestos, call an asbestos professional for an assessment before you start. It’s just not worth the risk. For more information, check SafeworkSA.

Remember that you have a legal responsibility not to harm those around you.