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It might be hidden behind your walls, under the floors, or even in your ceiling, yet it poses a serious health risk if disturbed. Asbestos, once praised for its fireproofing and durability, is now known for its deadly legacy in many New Zealand homes, particularly those built before 2000.
This naturally occurring mineral was widely used in construction materials throughout the mid-20th century. Its heat-resistant properties made it ideal for insulation, roofing, piping, and more. At its peak in the 1970s, asbestos was found in more than 3000 building products, many of which still remain in homes, schools, and commercial buildings today.
There are six types of asbestos, but the most common in New Zealand are Chrysotile (white), Amosite (brown), and Crocidolite (blue). Regardless of type, all forms are hazardous when disturbed. When asbestos materials are damaged, tiny fibres can be released into the air and inhaled. These fibres lodge in the lungs and can cause life-threatening illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, which often appear decades after exposure.
In 2016, New Zealand banned the importation of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), but it is still found in many buildings. Recently, Auckland Museum was closed after asbestos was detected. ACMs can be hard to spot and may be concealed beneath other surfaces. They’re commonly found in ceilings, walls, roofing, flooring, pipe lagging, wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms, or old electrical switchboards and ceiling insulation.
Understanding the risk depends on the condition and type of asbestos present. ACMs are classified as either Class A (friable) or Class B (non-friable). Friable asbestos is especially dangerous because it can be crumbled or broken by hand, easily releasing fibres. Non-friable asbestos is more stable, usually bound in cement or other materials, but it can still release fibres if it becomes damaged or weathered over time.
The best approach is to leave asbestos undisturbed unless it’s damaged or must be removed for renovation. Identifying asbestos requires expertise. Property owners are advised to hire a certified asbestos consultant to assess suspected materials. If removal is necessary, a Licensed Asbestos Removalist (LAR) should carry out the work, especially for friable asbestos.
By law, only LARs can remove Class A asbestos. For small amounts of Class B (non-friable) asbestos, less than 10 square metres, property owners may legally remove it themselves. However, experts strongly recommend involving a professional for any job involving asbestos, no matter the size, to ensure proper containment and disposal.
Asbestos waste must be carefully managed to protect both public health and the environment. It must be double-bagged in approved materials and taken to a licensed disposal facility and never thrown in household rubbish.
The risk of asbestos exposure is low when materials are intact and undisturbed, but the consequences of mishandling it can be severe. If you’re planning renovations or repairs to an older building, check first.
Information for this article was provided by the Environmental Innovation Centre, check their website www.environmental-innovation.nz for resources on asbestos and other waste disposal solutions
Who to contact:
• If you think you have accidentally disturbed asbestos, please contact a reputable asbestos consultant from the FAMANZ register: www.famanz.org
• WorkSafe NZ Licensed Asbestos Removal contractor register: https://services.worksafe.govt.nz/asbestos-removalist-public-register/
Independent Licensed Asbestos Assessor register: https://services.worksafe.govt.nz/asbestos-assessor-public-register/
• If you are seeking asbestos advice or an Asbestos Surveyor, contact Faculty of Asbestos Management Australia and New Zealand (FAMANZ)
• Asbestos removal/Demolition info: New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA) www.nzdaa.com
• If you think you have been affected or know someone with an asbestos related disease, contact the Mesothelioma Support and Asbestos Awareness Trust www.msaatrust.org.nz
