High Growth Risk For Asbestos Diseases In Australia -- MesoLink.org -- 09-30-04

Australian workers’ unions have warned that over 40,000 people are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases over the next few decades.

The risk, in particular, is being associated with house and building renovators. Both unions and asbestos victims are now urging the government to introduce legislation that will help to raise awareness of asbestos risks in properties and cut down on the number of potential deaths.

The unions want the government to make asbestos certificates a legal requirement for all renovation work and conveyancing.

Paul Bastian, State Secretary for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), stated that this certificate should ensure that all asbestos material and their condition should be detailed on the certificate.

Mr Bastian went on to explain that two thirds of the buildings that were constructed between 1917 and 1987 contained asbestos, and even knocking a nail into the wall could disturb the asbestos and risk contamination.

He stated:

"One airborne fibre has the potential to kill someone in that house." He went on to state: "I don't think there is enough public education about the dangers of it."

Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases that result from asbestos exposure, and this cancer can reduce lifespan to a matter of months. However, the cancer takes several decades to develop, and those that contract the cancer may not even be realized or diagnosed for a number of decades.