Asbestos has been a longstanding concern for homes and businesses. This silent but deadly mineral caused more diseases and deaths over the years. Recent studies suggest that the number of casualties will keep on going up, prompting the government and citizens to take the necessary steps in containing it.

1. Bower Roofing and Restorations
Address: 34 Unwin Ave, Wembley Downs, WA 6019
Contact Number: 08 9446 1323
E-mail: sales@bowerroofing.com.au
More People Die from
Asbestos-Related
Diseases

2. Bower Roofing and Restorations
Address: 34 Unwin Ave, Wembley Downs, WA 6019
Contact Number: 08 9446 1323
E-mail: sales@bowerroofing.com.au
Asbestos has been a
longstanding concern for
homes and businesses. This
silent but deadly mineral
caused more diseases and
deaths over the years. Recent
studies suggest that the
number of casualties will keep
on going up, prompting the
government and citizens to
take the necessary steps in
containing it.
Homes built or renovated before 1990
usually have asbestos. Contractors use it for
roofing, insulation, building materials,
boilers, electrical fittings, gaskets, floor tiles,
plastics and other products. It poses serious
health risks, such as asbestosis, lung cancer,
pleural disorders and mesothelioma if left
alone.
Studies reveal that more people get
diseases or die because of exposure to
asbestos. Safe Work Australia’s 2014
report ‘Asbestos-related Disease
Indicators’ indicated that the number of
cases of mesothelioma increased from
156 in 1982 to 668 in 2007. Deaths due
to this disease increased from 416 in
1997 to 606 in 2011. Between 1998–
1999 and 2009–2010, there were 1394
asbestosis-related hospitalisations, of
which 97% of those people were male.
Asbestosis was the underlying cause of
125 deaths in 2011, as well.

3. Bower Roofing and Restorations
Address: 34 Unwin Ave, Wembley Downs, WA 6019
Contact Number: 08 9446 1323
E-mail: sales@bowerroofing.com.au
Asbestos is generally harmless unless
its fibres reach the atmosphere,
where there is chance people may
inhale it. It is not visible to the naked
eye, thus increasing the risk of
catching asbestos-related diseases.
These diseases remain dormant for a
few years and show when these are
in advanced stages.
Exposure to asbestos fibres occurred
whilst mining, manufacturing or using
asbestos products, primarily during
construction. Researchers noted that
most cases today are due to renovations
or demolitions or of old buildings.
Construction workers, demolition workers
and homeowners doing renovations are
most vulnerable due to their constant
exposure as a result.
Recognising the danger of
asbestos, the government banned
the use of asbestos since
December 31 2003. They
implemented the Occupational
Health & Safety Regulations,
which specified that only licensed
specialists may remove large
amounts of fixed or installed
asbestos-containing materials.

4. Bower Roofing and Restorations
Address: 34 Unwin Ave, Wembley Downs, WA 6019
Contact Number: 08 9446 1323
E-mail: sales@bowerroofing.com.au
People need to check
their roof guttering or
sheeting, bathroom tiles
and other areas where
asbestos may be
present. They should
send samples for
laboratory testing and
consult a professional
for home assessment
and removal if
necessary.
Sources:
http://www.bowerroofing.com.au/other-services/roofing/
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Docume
nts/850/Asbestos%20related%20disease%20indicators%202014.pdf
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asbestos_a
nd_your_health