The Asbestos Free Tasmania Foundation welcomed today’s launch of the official State Government asbestos website and urged anyone considering a home renovation to visit the site as a matter of high priority.

Asbestos Free Tasmania spokesperson said:

“Too many home renovators don’t consider asbestos to be an issue until it’s too late.”

“The last thing we want is people taking sledge hammers and saws to asbestos products.”

“This website provides an excellent resource for home renovators and tradespeople to see just how many asbestos products there are likely to be in homes built from the 1940s through to the mid 1990’s.”

Ms Wallace also criticized home renovation TV shows which seem to encourage a “gung ho” attitude to asbestos.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any television show that encourages a ‘gung ho’ approach to renovation.”

“It’s important to stop, think and plan.  Consider where asbestos might be in your home and get it professionally assessed.”

“We are starting to see a second wave of disease related to home renovation and we must ensure that everyone in the community is aware of the dangers of inhaling asbestos fibres and knows how to keep themselves safe,” said Ms Wallace.

This web address has been changed and is now: https://www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/safety/safety_subjects/subject/asbestos_safety