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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SPRING 2015
Pleural Disease
This is inflammation of the outer lining of the lung – the
pleura (where asbestos fibres are deposited). The pleura
stiffens and thickens widely (diffuse thickening) or in
patches (plaques), and can fill with fluid.
Asbestosis
This is scarring of the lungs by inhalation of large
quantities of asbestos fibres: the lung becomes
inflamed and scarred (stiff) making breathing progressively
more difficult. Symptoms include tightness in the chest,
dry cough, and in the later stages, a bluish tinge to the skin
caused by lack of oxygen. Asbestosis is usually seen in
former asbestos miners, asbestos manufacturing workers
and insulation workers, and usually takes a decade or more
to develop.
Lung Cancer
Exposure to asbestos fibres greatly increases a person’s
risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if they are also a
smoker.
HOW TO IDENTIFY ASBESTOS
“No one can tell if a product contains asbestos just by
looking at it. Only scientific testing by an accredited National
Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) can confirm if
asbestos is present,” Peter says.
“So, if people aren’t sure if a product contains asbestos
they should treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the
necessary precautions to protect themselves.
“To be sure if asbestos is in homes, owners can have
properties inspected by a licensed removalist or a licensed
asbestos assessor to confirm if asbestos products are
present.
“If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos
generally doesn’t pose a health risk; however, with the
ageing of homes, the popularity of DIY, renovating, knock-
down-rebuild and with the redevelopment of old fibro home
sites, it’s important that anyone working in or around homes
or buildings constructed or renovated before 1987 know the
dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely.”
It’s a scary truth that asbestos could be anywhere: under
floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles,
INSULATION FOR HOT WATER PIPES AND TANK
EAVES AND GALBLES ENDS
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL VENTILATORS
SPLASHBACK
SHEDS & EXTERNAL TOILETS
INTERNAL WALLS & CEILING
GARAGE
LOOSE FILL INSULATION IN ROOF CAVITY
‘TILUX’ MARBLE FINISH WALL PANEL
INTERNAL ANGLE MOULDINGS
BACKING OF VINYL SHEET FLOORING AND CARPET
UNDERLAY
FLUES TO FIREPLACES
RIDGE CAPPING
CORRUGATED ASBESTOS
CEMENT ROOFING
GUTTERS
DOWNPIPES
FENCE
COMPRESSED ASBESTOS
SHEET CEMENT FLOORING
VINYL FLOOR TILES
BACKING FOR ELECTRICAL METER
BOARDS
WALL SHEETING
INSULATION BELOW WOOD HEATER
EXTERNAL ANGLE MOULDINGS
OTHER:
BRAKE AND CLUTCH LININGS, BURIED AND DUMPED WASTE MATERIALS
DOG KENNEL
WHERE ASBESTOS MAY BE LOCATED IN A TYPICAL HOME
TOOL BOX TALK