Did you know that this year more Australian’s will die from an asbestos-related disease than are killed in road accidents? Over 4,000 Australians die annually from asbestos-related conditions, illnesses that can be prevented if asbestos is managed safely.

Coonamble Shire Council is just one government body warning against the danger of asbestos.

National Asbestos Awareness Month (1-30 November), now in its tenth year, is Australia’s leading multi award-winning asbestos awareness and community education campaign in the prevention of asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous silicate mineral. It was initially considered a versatile product in building, because it is able to withstand heat, erosion and decay and has fire and water resistant properties.

However, asbestos becomes a health risk when fibres are released into the air and breathed in. In Australia, a complete ban of asbestos and its products became effective in 2003, however, dangers from renovating older dwellings are still ongoing.

On their website, Coonamble Shire cautions local residents to remember the DON’Ts!

"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! And whatever you do... Don’t dump it!"

Loose-fill asbestos was sold as ceiling insulation In the 1960s and 1970s, for residential and commercial premises.

SafeWork NSW is currently contracting an independent specialist to work with the NSW Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA) to help establish the scope of properties impacted by loose-filled asbestos ceiling insulation material and providing assistance to local councils and homeowners of impacted properties as well as workers who have the potential to disturb loose-fill asbestos insulation.

Asbestos-related diseases are continuing to increase among Australians as a direct result of exposure to asbestos fibres during home renovations or in the workplace; the importance of increasing awareness and educating Australians on how to manage asbestos safely in accordance with regulations cannot be overstated.

It's a startling fact that one in three Australian homes built or renovated before 1990 contain asbestos. The National Asbestos Awareness Month campaign was launched to spread awareness of the dangers of asbestos and provide more practical resources to help homeowners and renovators manage asbestos safely.

Come back Betty

As part of the awareness campaign, Betty - The Asbestos Awareness House has travelled across the country

Betty is a purpose built, mobile model home designed to demonstrate where asbestos might be found in and around any Australian home built or renovated before 1990.

Her exterior resembles a typical fibro home but when opened up, she has extensive audio and visual information including a bathroom, kitchen, living room, man shed/garage and a dog house. Betty visited areas of the Western Plains in 2014.

To update your asbestos awareness head to www.asbestosawareness.com.au. This site provides comprehensive asbestos information and user-friendly practical resources for property owners, manager and tradies.

The last word is from Coonamble Shire Council who say to get in touch if you are in any doubt that asbestos may be an issue, and offer the following advice.

"When in doubt call Council on 0268 271 900 and speak with our Planning, Regulatory and Compliance Department," they said.