Asbestos Exposure in Sydney: The Numbers Behind the Risk
- removaroo
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BY CHARLIE A | 04 APRIL 2025
Asbestos, once a staple in construction for its durability and fire-resistant properties, continues to pose significant health risks in Sydney and across Australia. Despite its nationwide ban in 2003, the legacy of asbestos remains evident in numerous structures and the health challenges faced by many Australians. This article delves into the prevalence of asbestos, associated health risks, and the financial implications of its removal, highlighting the urgency for continued awareness and action.
Prevalence of Asbestos in Australian Structures
The widespread use of asbestos in Australian construction, particularly between the 1940s and late 1980s, has left a lasting imprint:
• Residential Buildings: Approximately one in three Australian homes still contains asbestos materials.
• Commercial and Public Buildings: Many structures built before the 1990s, including schools and offices, incorporated asbestos-containing materials, indicating a broad scope of potential exposure.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos fibers is linked to several severe health conditions:
• Mesothelioma: Australia reports approximately 700 to 800 new cases of mesothelioma annually, with a median diagnosis age of 77 years.
• Asbestos-Related Diseases: An estimated 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases, a figure more than double the national annual road toll.
• Latency Period: Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take decades to manifest, often leading to late-stage diagnoses and limited treatment options.
Demographic Insights
The impact of asbestos-related diseases varies across different demographics:
• Age Factor: A significant majority of individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestosis are over 70 years old.
• Gender Disparity: Males constitute 89% of asbestosis and mesothelioma cases, with females accounting for 11%.
Asbestos Removal: Costs and Considerations
The removal of asbestos is a critical step in mitigating health risks, but it comes with financial considerations:
Cost Variations: The cost of asbestos removal in Sydney varies depending on the area and type of material:
Fencing: $90 to $160 per meter
Roofing: $80 to $110 per square meter
Ceilings: $40 to $100 per square meter
External Cladding: $80 to $110 per square meter
Internal Cladding: $70 to $100 per square meter
Eaves: $50 to $80 per meter
Vinyl Flooring: Approximately $100 per square meter
Factors Influencing Costs: The total cost is influenced by factors such as the amount of asbestos to be removed, its condition, and accessibility.
Importance of Professional Removal
Given the health risks, professional removal is paramount:
• Safety Protocols: Licensed professionals adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent fiber release during removal.
• Legal Compliance: Proper disposal complies with local regulations, reducing environmental contamination risks.
Conclusion
The enduring presence of asbestos in Sydney’s built environment underscores the need for continued vigilance. Awareness, regular inspections, and professional removal are essential to mitigate health risks. Property owners are encouraged to assess their buildings for asbestos-containing materials and consult professionals for safe removal. Through collective efforts, we can address this silent threat and safeguard public health for future generations.
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