November is National Asbestos Awareness Month, which acknowledges the dangers of asbestos-containing materials and aims to prevent asbestos-related diseases through education.
With recent floods in Victoria and parts of Maroondah, Council is strongly urging property owners and residents to be aware of potential hazards caused by asbestos-containing materials that could have become eroded, disturbed, broken or friable, posing significant health risks if not managed and disposed of safely.
Before cleaning up flood debris, renovating or making repairs, residents should visit the Asbestos Awareness website for information about identifying and managing asbestos safely, with a residential checklist, a 20-point safety check for renovators and tradespeople, and a comprehensive database of products that could contain asbestos.
If you suspect asbestos, do not touch it. It is a risk to your health and that of your family and community.
Visit the Environment Protection Authority Victoria website and the Department of Health’s Asbestos in Victoria website for information and advice about what to do if you suspect asbestos.