What Is Asbestos?

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Asbestos is a term used for a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. It was widely used in building products because it was durable, fire-resistant, and provided insulation. 

In New Zealand, asbestos can still be found in many older homes, commercial buildings, rural properties, and industrial sites, particularly those built or renovated before 2000.

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Common asbestos-containing materials can include:

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• cement cladding and profiled roofing

• gutters, downpipes, and flues

• vinyl flooring and backing

• textured ceilings and wall surfaces

• fencing, soffits, and other bonded asbestos cement products.

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In New Zealand, asbestos-containing products became illegal to import in 2016. Even so, asbestos remains an ongoing issue because many existing buildings and structures still contain asbestos-containing materials.

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Asbestos Exposure and Health Impacts

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Asbestos becomes a health risk when fibres are released into the air and inhaled. The level of risk depends on factors such as how much asbestos a person is exposed to, how often exposure happens, the type of fibre involved, and how long it has been since the first exposure. Smoking can also increase the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer.

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If asbestos is disturbed without the right controls in place, fibres can spread beyond the immediate work area and affect people nearby. That is why safe identification, handling, removal, and disposal are so important.

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Asbestos-Related Diseases

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Some of the better-known asbestos-related conditions include:

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• pleural plaques

• asbestosis

• lung cancer

• mesothelioma.

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