Australian Asbestos Victims Call For Certification Of Asbestos Presence In Homes -- MesoLink.org -- 08-19-04

The Asbestos Victims Association and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union have teamed up with Australian asbestos-related disease victims in order to demand an increase of awareness on residential properties.

Already, it has become the law to disclose the presence of asbestos on commercial properties sold in South Australia by way of certification. However, the fears now are that those buying and renovating older properties without any knowledge of the presence of asbestos are at risk of contamination and disease.

It is estimated that over 66% of older houses built before 1983 contain asbestos, and that those renovating the properties could risk developing mesothelioma and other diseases in years to come. This raises concerns for both the residents that may be working on the properties and the contractors that may be drafted in to carry out works and renovations.

The two organisations and the residents are demanding that this be changed so that certificates are also issues on residential homes to safeguard the health of those buying and working on the properties. This is also to make the buyer and any contractor aware that there is asbestos in the property enabling them to make a more informed decision with regards to purchasing or working on the property.

Asbestos has been the culprit of many deaths in Australia and around the world, with cases rising sharply over recent years and expected to continue to rise over the next decade or two.