Home renovators were the focus of a recent campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of asbestos.

Following on from Asbestos Awareness Week last week, local renovators are being reminded of the risks that come with the hazardous building material, with estimations that asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of around 4,000 Australians each year.

That's twice the national road toll. 

There is a real concern that with tradespeople in short supply and call-out fees soaring, more people and families are rolling up their sleeves, trying to make ends meet by turning their renovation dreams into reality. 

While this Aussie “can-do” spirit is something to celebrate, it’s also a cause for concern.

Renovation expert, Cherie Barber, was the spokesperson for Asbestos Awareness Week.

Thousands of Australians are unknowingly exposing themselves and their loved ones to the deadly risk of asbestos poisoning, hidden in homes built or renovated before 1990.

And you can find it practically anywhere - hidden beneath carpets, under tiles, inside walls, ceilings, roofs, and even backyard structures like dog kennels, fences and buried in concrete paths.

At one stage, asbestos was used in over 3000 building materials. 

The risk is, when disturbed, asbestos fibres become airborne and can be inhaled, leading to diseases that may not appear until 20 to 40 years later. 

Coonamble Shire puts asbestos under the spotlight

Coonamble Shire Council shares concerns about the the deadly material, and with the bulk of homes being built in the region prior to 1990, the prevalence of asbestos may be higher than the average area.

This creates the issue of where asbestos can be disposed of.

General Manager Paul Gallagher said asbestos was considered hazardous waste and cannot currently be accepted at any waste management facility within Coonamble Shire.

"It is a serious offence to dump illegally, and fines apply," he reminded local residents. 

Asbestos-containing materials can be disposed of at Walgett, Narrabri, and Narromine.

Gilgandra Waste Facility can only accept bonded asbestos that has been double wrapped in an industrial grade plastic.

No friable asbestos materials can be accepted at the Gilgandra Waste Facility.

Professional renovator, Cherie Barber, was a spokesperson for Asbestos Awareness Week.

She said DIY doesn’t have to mean “Do It Dangerously.”

While it’s tempting to save money and time by doing it all yourself, the risk simply isn’t worth it.

Our health and the safety of our loved ones should always come first. 

Ms Barber appears in an informative video about identifying, testing, and removing asbestos in your home, which you can view by clicking the link below.

Asbestos In Homes: Complete Guide to Identification, Testing and Removal

The message is: Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! Don’t dump it!

 And whatever you do... DON’T remove it yourself! Always get licensed asbestos professional because it's not worth the risk.