Asbestos was once used widely in the construction and decoration of New Zealand homes and public buildings. Its insulating and fire retardant properties made it a perfect material for walls and ceilings, as well as pipe coverings and tile backings.
However, when asbestos particles are suspended in the air, for example through construction work, or through natural wear and tear about the house, they become extremely dangerous and a high cancer risk. Exposure to asbestos can result in asbestosis, or scar tissue in the lung, lung tumours, and mesothelioma (a rare lung cancer) as well as other sorts of cancer.
Constructing with Asbestos in New Zealand
Asbestos was once imported by the ton into New Zealand. Three types of asbestos were imported: crocidolite or blue asbestos, amosite or brown asbestos and chrysotile or white asbestos. Of these, brown and blue are the most dangerous as they are tiny, thin, straight fibres that are impossible to remove from the lungs, whereas white asbestos fibres are curly and cannot move so deeply into the lungs.
By 1984 it was recognised that asbestos caused a public health hazard, particularly for those who worked in construction, and blue and brown asbestos was banned from importation, with white asbestos banned in 1989. However, many buildings already contained asbestos, and still do to this day.
The main areas asbestos was used in New Zealand homes was as asbestos cement in roofs and walls, in decorative coatings particularly of ceilings and in the backing of vinyl tiles. However, asbestos might also be found elsewhere. In larger buildings, asbestos was often used as an insulating material, which is a concern for people who want to ‘do up’ an old school or public building as a private residence.
Identifying Asbestos in New Zealand Homes
If a house or building was constructed between the 1950’s and 1980’s, it probably contains asbestos. Asbestos that is contained in a matrix, i.e. in cement or other material, is not a high risk, as it cannot get into the air. It becomes a problem when it is damaged, or broken in any way that could release dust into the air (for example when screws are inserted with an electric screwdriver). It is also dangerous when it is friable (easily crumbled).
Often ceilings in New Zealand have been coated with asbestos as a decoration, resulting in a lumpy, sparkling surface. These have often also been sealed with paint and even if not, they are not a high risk unless they are damaged or in bad condition. However, if in doubt, get a professional opinion.
Unfortunately, asbestos cannot be identified by eye, but only by a laboratory test. Landlords are obliged to test their properties for asbestos and inform their tenants of its presence, and any possible future actions to deal with it.
Dealing with Asbestos in the House
While the homeowner can remove certain types of asbestos, it is recommended that Department of Labour certified contractors are used, as they can contain the asbestos safely. However, if a homeowner prefers to remove the asbestos themselves, they must comply with all safety regulations, including proper disposal of the asbestos. Here is information on the legal processes involved in removing asbestos.
People in New Zealand without certification cannot do the following with asbestos:
- Remove or seal/encapsulate friable asbestos
- Use power tools on materials containing asbestos
- Demolish a building containing asbestos
- Dry sand surfaces containing asbestos
Asbestos which is not friable can be managed by containing or encapsulating it, by either covering it with paint, or a sealant, or with other materials. Doing this can also be dangerous, and proper safety precautions should be taken, or certified contractors used.
In some cases, asbestos is better left alone. If it is in difficult to reach areas, and is not friable, or if it is not in danger of any damage or wear and tear, and it is white asbestos, it will not pose a significant health risk. However, it should be disturbed as little as possible, and material containing asbestos should never be water blasted with a high pressure hose. If in doubt about any material, please seek professional advice.
Asbestos is a dangerous substance, and it is better to check out whether it is contained in the materials making up a house, and whether or not it is dangerous to the inhabitants. New Zealand has plenty of asbestos certified specialists who can advise on the best course to take and these can be found by looking up ‘asbestos’ in the yellow pages.
Rachel Sawaya - Rachel Sawaya is a freelance writer from New Zealand (who also has US citizenship), and currently lives in Auckland, the big smoke of New ...
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