Asbestos is still present in many homes and buildings today. This is because of the extensive use of asbestos in building materials, insulating materials and other products in the past. The use of asbestos in some of these materials did not cease until well into the 1980’s.

There have been countless incidences of persons being unwittingly exposed to asbestos, carrying out home renovations or being present near homes or other building construction work. The society has worked tirelessly in recent years to raise awareness about exposure to asbestos and its dangers. It is the case that even brief exposure to asbestos can cause serious disease. All exposure should be avoided if possible.

It is important to realise that not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop an asbestos disease. Some people exposed, even heavily exposed will not develop any asbestos related disease. However, any exposure should be avoided. It is also important to note that it can take decades for asbestos disease to develop following exposure asbestos and it is very rare for any asbestos disease to develop earlier than 10 years after exposure.
 

 What to do if Asbestos Exposure Occurs?

Firstly, anyone exposed to asbestos should a record and/or photographic evidence of their asbestos exposure. For those exposed in the work place, usually a registration of their exposure can be lodged with a workers compensation body such as Workcover Queensland. If the exposure has occurred in the home, such as from home renovations or from being near home renovations, you should prepare a written record of the exposure and keep it in a safe place. The Society should be contacted for assistance with this on 1800 776 412.

Secondly, a person exposed to asbestos should see their general practioner to discuss the consequences of asbestos exposure and appropriate medical investigation and also to have the exposure recorded in your medical records. If the exposure is only very recent, it is unlikely that there would be any identifiable health effect of the asbestos exposure but it is always important to draw the asbestos exposure to the attention of your general practioner.
 

 Fill out the form below to register your exposure to asbestos