The Hidden Dangers of DIY: Protecting Australians from Asbestos Exposure

moment to pause. Ask yourself: Do I know where asbestos might be? Am I prepared to deal with it safely?

The Call to Action: Stop, Think, and Seek Help

Education is the key to prevention. Homeowners must learn to recognize potential asbestos hazards and take the necessary precautions before any DIY project begins.

Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family:

• Watch: Spend 20 minutes watching the Asbestos in Homes: A Guide to Identifcation, Testing, and Removal video.

• Learn: Visit asbestosawareness.com. au for practical advice on identifying, testing, and safely managing asbestos.

• Hire Professionals: Always engage licensed asbestos professionals for testing and removal. Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself.

DIY Doesn’t Mean Do It Dangerously

Australia’s love affair with home improvement is inspiring, but let’s ensure it doesn’t turn dreams into lifelong tragedies. By pausing to plan and prioritize safety, we can create beautiful, safe spaces for our families without putting lives at risk.

The Message Is Clear When it comes to asbestos:

• Don’t cut it.

• Don’t drill it.

• Don’t drop it.

• Don’t sand it.

• Don’t saw it.

• Don’t scrape it.

• Don’t scrub it.

• Don’t dismantle it.

• Don’t tip it.

• Don’t waterblast it.

• Don’t demolish it.

• Don’t dump it. And above all, DON’T remove it yourself! Always call licensed asbestos professionals and visit asbestosawareness. com.au for guidance. Because when it comes to asbestos, the risk is never worth it.

The appeal of saving money and embracing the DIY ethos is understandable, but it must never come at the cost of your health. Your safety—and the safety of your loved ones—should always come frst.