Dr Steven Miles
March 19, 2018
Home owners can face big fines if they use high-pressure water blasters on asbestos roofs, the State Government has warned.
Health Minister Steven Miles said three homeowners in Burpengary, Salisbury and Toowoomba had been reported in the past three weeks for potentially releasing hazardous asbestos fibres into neighbouring properties.
“It is illegal to use a high pressure water blaster on asbestos cement roofs, fences, walls and other asbestos containing materials,” Mr Miles said.
“Water blasters can destroy the surface of asbestos-containing materials, which can release asbestos fibres into the air.
“Homeowners can be fined up to $10,000 for using a water blaster on asbestos-containing materials, and are liable for all clean-up costs.
“Just last year, a homeowner in the South East was forced to pay a $100,000 clean-up bill.”
Mr Miles said asbestos was perfectly safe if it is in good condition and left alone, but could be very dangerous if disturbed.
“Asbestos fibres cannot be seen by the naked eye, but if inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs where they can develop into diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma,” he said
Asbestos is common in homes built before 1990.
Queensland Health provides information and advice to the general public on asbestos and its health risks.
For asbestos safety information, visit www.qld.gov.au/asbestos or call 13-QGOV.
