If you find an old building material that you think may contain asbestos, the safest approach is simple: do not disturb it.
Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand building materials, particularly in older properties. WorkSafe states that buildings built before 1 January 2000 are more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials.
The problem is not simply the presence of asbestos. When asbestos-containing material is damaged, cut, drilled, sanded, broken, or otherwise disturbed, fibres can be released into the air.
These fibres are extremely small and may not be visible.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibres. It was valued for properties such as heat resistance, fire resistance, and insulation, which led to its use in a wide range of building products.
Asbestos can still be present in older homes and buildings in materials such as:
- Roofing products
- Cladding
- Flooring
- Insulation
- Electrical components
- Cement products
- Some textured coatings
- Other building materials
WorkSafe notes that asbestos-containing materials can be present in buildings constructed before 1 January 2000.
Why Is Disturbing Suspected Asbestos Dangerous?
When asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and left undisturbed, they may pose less risk than damaged or disturbed materials.
However, activities such as drilling, cutting, sanding, grinding, water blasting, or breaking asbestos-containing materials can release fibres into the air.
Once airborne, these fibres can be inhaled.
WorkSafe states that asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
You Cannot Reliably Identify Asbestos by Looking at It
One of the biggest problems with suspected asbestos is that it can be difficult to identify visually.
Materials that look similar may or may not contain asbestos.
WorkSafe advises that if you are unsure whether a material contains asbestos, you should treat it as asbestos rather than disturbing it. A reputable asbestos contractor or appropriate professional can help assess the material.
Common Activities That Can Disturb Asbestos
You may accidentally disturb suspected asbestos during everyday renovation or maintenance work.
Examples include:
Drilling
Drilling into an asbestos-containing panel or surface can release fibres.
Sanding
Sanding can create dust and potentially release asbestos fibres from contaminated materials.
Cutting
Cutting asbestos-containing products can damage the material and release fibres.
Demolition
Breaking or removing building materials during renovations or demolition can disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Water Blasting
High-pressure water can damage some asbestos-containing materials and potentially spread contamination. WorkSafe specifically identifies water blasting as an activity that can disturb asbestos.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Asbestos?
If you suspect that a material contains asbestos:
1. Stop Work
Do not continue drilling, cutting, sanding, removing, or breaking the material.
2. Keep People Away
Keep household members, workers, children, and pets away from the area.
3. Don’t Try to Collect a Sample Yourself
Avoid disturbing the material simply to confirm what it is.
4. Contact an Appropriate Professional
A reputable asbestos contractor or asbestos professional can help determine the appropriate next steps. WorkSafe recommends contacting a reputable contractor when asbestos is suspected.
5. Follow Professional Advice
Depending on the material and circumstances, the appropriate approach may involve testing, management, encapsulation, or removal.
What If Suspected Asbestos Has Already Been Disturbed?
If you accidentally disturb suspected asbestos, stop work immediately and keep other people and pets away from the area.
WorkSafe advises leaving the affected area, taking steps to minimise the spread of fibres, and contacting a reputable asbestos contractor or local health protection officer for advice.
Do not continue cleaning or disturbing the material yourself.
What About Asbestos After a Fire or Other Property Damage?
Asbestos can become an additional concern after a fire, flood, earthquake, storm, or other major property damage.
WorkSafe notes that damaged asbestos-containing materials can become broken, eroded, or friable, potentially creating a risk of airborne fibres.
This is particularly important when damaged buildings require cleanup, demolition, or restoration.
Before disturbing damaged materials, appropriate asbestos assessment and professional advice should be obtained.
Does Asbestos Always Need to Be Removed?
No.
The appropriate approach depends on the material, its condition, location, and the risk of disturbance.
WorkSafe explains that asbestos materials in good condition and left undisturbed may be managed rather than immediately removed.
Where removal is required, New Zealand has specific requirements governing asbestos removal work, including different licensing requirements depending on the type and quantity of asbestos involved.
Why Professional Asbestos Removal Matters
Asbestos removal is not the same as ordinary demolition or waste removal.
Professional asbestos work involves appropriate controls, equipment, procedures, decontamination, and waste disposal. WorkSafe’s current guidance sets out requirements and good-practice expectations for managing and removing asbestos.
For property owners, professional advice can help reduce the risk of unnecessary exposure and ensure the material is managed appropriately.
Final Thoughts
If you suspect asbestos, don’t touch it, don’t cut it, and don’t try to remove it yourself simply to find out what it is.
The safest first step is to stop work, keep people away from the area, and seek advice from an appropriately qualified asbestos professional.
For properties affected by suspected or damaged asbestos, Restoration Pros can assist with professional restoration and asbestos-related services where appropriate.
