MEDIA ALERT: Wednesday 10 September 2014
Don’t Play Renovation Roulette! Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember!
Visit asbestosawanress.com.au - It’s not worth the risk!
NOvember Is National Asbestos Awareness Month 2014
Asbestos Awareness Day is Friday 28 NOvember
NOvember is national Asbestos Awareness Month. In the lead-up to Asbestos Awareness Day (Friday 28
NOvember) all Australians especially homeowners, renovators tradies and handymen need to Get to kNOw
Asbestos this NOvember by visiting asbestosawareness.com.au and take the 20 Point Asbestos Safety
Check to learn how to protect themselves and families from exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres.
Peter Dunphy Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee that conducts the national Asbestos Awareness
campaign said, “There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres. With at least 1 in 3 Australian homes
containing asbestos, many homeowners, renovators, tradies and handymen are putting their health and the
health of families at risk when doing home renovations, maintenance and demolition if they release
dangerous asbestos dust and fibres that can be inhaled and lead to asbestos-related diseases including
mesothelioma*.”
Mesothelioma is a cancer that mostly affects the lining of the lungs and develops between 20-50 years after
inhaling asbestos fibres. There is no cure and the average survival time after diagnosis is 10-12
months. Inhaling asbestos fibres may also cause other diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and
benign pleural disease.
In the past, Australians diagnosed with mesothelioma have primarily been men exposed to asbestos fibres
in mines and asbestos factories (First Wave) and in the work-place working with asbestoscontaining materials (Second Wave). With the current wave of asbestos-related diseases there is a
growing body of evidence linking asbestos exposure to DIY and renovations with more people, specifically
women, diagnosed as a result of inhaling fibres in a non-occupational setting.
“We know that Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world because
Australia was among the highest consumers of asbestos products until a complete ban of asbestos came
into force in Australia in 2003,” Mr Dunphy said.
“However, there is still a high volume of asbestos-containing building products used prior to 1987 which
remain hidden dangers in homes and buildings such as garages and farm structures so it’s critical that all
Australians become asbestos aware.
“Many Australians wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos. With asbestos products still
commonly found in and around brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes built or renovated before 1987,
it’s vital that homeowners, renovators, tradesmen and handymen Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember.
“Visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au and take the 20 Point Safety check to learn where asbestos might
be found in homes and on properties and how to manage it safely because it’s not worth the risk to
themselves or to their families,” he said.
Asbestos could be anywhere! Under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall
and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves,
garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard
and farm sheds, chook sheds and even dog kennels.
MEDIA RELEASE – ASBESTOS AWARENESS MONTH 1 – 30 NOVEMBER 2014
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Asbestos products can also be found buried beneath and around homes leftover from the original
construction when it was common practice for builders and labourers to bury broken asbestos materials on
building sites which can now be exposed when digging, gardening or redeveloping land.
In many coastal regions ‘weekenders’ were often built from fibro (bonded asbestos cement sheeting) as
low-cost holiday homes. In rural settings many buildings were constructed from fibro as a cost-effective
means of housing farm equipment and stock. It was also widely used to construct ‘sleep-out’ additions to
farmhouses and workers accommodation.
Professor Nico van Zandwijk, Director of the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute said, “Statistics are
suggesting that an increasing number of mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos fibres in nonoccupational settings such as home renovation and maintenance including women and children.”
Mr Dunphy said, “No one can tell if a product contains asbestos just by looking at it. Only scientific testing
by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) can confirm if asbestos is present. If
people aren’t sure if a product contains asbestos they should treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the
necessary precautions to protect themselves and families. However, to be sure if asbestos is in homes,
owners can have properties inspected by a licenced removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor to confirm
if asbestos products are present.
“If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos generally doesn’t pose a health risk. However, with the
aging of homes, the popularity of DIY, renovating, knock-down-rebuild and with the redevelopment of old
fibro home sites, it’s important that anyone working in or around homes or buildings constructed or
renovated before 1987 know the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely.”
When homes contain asbestos DIY is not recommended and renovating properties without knowing where
asbestos might be located has been likened to playing ‘Renovation Roulette’.
When it comes to asbestos, Don’t play Renovation Roulette! 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! And whatever you do... Don’t dump it!
“Tradespeople who come into direct contact with products that may contain asbestos every day of their
working life are particularly vulnerable and need to be doubly aware of the risks and safe management
practices of working with asbestos. Tradies need to stop playing Renovation Roulette and Get to kNOw
Asbestos this November by visiting asbestosawareness.com.au because it’s not worth the risk!” he said.
During NOvember Australians are encouraged to host a Blue Lamington Drive morning or afternoon tea at
home or at work to help raise awareness of the current dangers of asbestos while raising vital funds for
medical research and support services for sufferers of asbestos-related diseases.
 Get to kNOw asbestos this NOvember, visit asbestosawareness.com.au
 Register a Blue Lamington Drive morning or afternoon tea, visit www.bluelamington.com
-ENDSFOR MORE INFORMATION & INTERVIEW REQUESTS CONTACT
Insight Communications - 02 9518 4744
Clare Collins 0414 821 957 - [email protected]
Alice Collins 0414 686 091 - [email protected]
Interviews are available with a variety of spokespersons including: Peter Dunphy, Professor Nico van Zandwijk, case
studies and Asbestos Awareness ambassadors; Cherie Barber, Don Burke, Scott Cam, John Jarratt and Scott
McGregor.
References are included in the detailed Journalist Notes on page 9 of this release. * Full medical term: malignant mesothelioma
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JOURNALIST NOTES
Don’t Play Renovation Roulette! Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember!
Visit asbestosawareness.com.au because it’s not worth the risk!
Get to kNOw Asbestos – The 20 Point Asbestos Safety Check
1. At least 1 in 3 Australian homes contains asbestos including brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad
homes.
2. Asbestos was widely used in building materials before 1987 so if your home was built or renovated
before 1987 it most likely contains asbestos.
3. If asbestos is disturbed during renovations or mainenance your health and the health of your family
could be at risk.
4. DIY is not recommended where asbestos is present.
5. When renovating or working in and around homes, if in doubt assume asbestos materials are
present and take every precaution.
6. Dealing with asbestos is important and serious, but it’s not overwhelming – IT IS MANAGEABLE!
7. If you’re not sure if asbestos is in your home you can have it inspected by a licenced removalist or a
licensed asbestos assessor.
8. Products made from asbestos cement include fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated), water, drainage
and flue pipes, roofing shingles, guttering and floor and wall coverings. It could be anywhere!
9. If you find asbestos in your home; 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! And whatever you do... Don’t dump it!”
10. If left undisturbed asbestos materials in good, stable condition are unlikely to release dangerous
fibres and pose a health risk. Generally, you don’t need to remove the asbestos. Paint it and leave it
alone but remember to check it occasionally for any signs of wear and tear.
11. There are legal requirements regarding asbestos management, its removal and disposal.
12. While some might follow the regulations and safety requirements to remove small amounts of
asbestos, the safest way to manage its removal is to retain a licenced professional asbestos
removalist equipped to protect you and your family from the dangers of asbestos dust and fibres.
13. Where asbestos fibres are friable (loose and not bonded into building materials), ONLY licenced
friable asbestos removalists are allowed to remove it.
14. Professional removal of asbestos is affordable. You can’t afford not to use a professional!
15. The cost of asbestos removal by a licenced professional is comparable to most licenced tradesmen
including electricians, plumbers and tilers.
16. The cost of disposal at a lawful site is often included with the cost of removal by a licenced
professional.
17. If you must work with any material that may contain asbestos or remove asbestos yourself, protect
yourself and your family and follow the legal and safety requirements for the management of
asbestos to minimise the release of dust or small particles from the asbestos materials.
18. There are a number of safety precautions you will need to take including wearing specific protective
clothing, the correct mask or breathing apparatus and ensure you minimise dust and dispose of it
legally.
19. Never use tools on asbestos materials as they will make asbestos fibres airborne including:
a. Power tools such as electric drills, angle grinders, circular saws and electric sanders.
b. Never use high pressure water blasters or compressed air.
20. Are you playing renovation roulette? Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember! Visit
asbestosawareness.com.au Because it’s not worth the risk!
MEDIA RELEASE – ASBESTOS AWARENESS MONTH 1 – 30 NOVEMBER 2014
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Get to kNOw why it’s important to manage asbestos safely in and around homes!
 There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres!
 If you don’t kNOw the hazards of working with asbestos materials including fibro and don’t observe
safety precautions when removing or working with asbestos, you risk exposing yourself and families
to long-term health risks.
 If asbestos is disturbed it can release dangerous fine particles of dust containing asbestos fibres.
 Breathing in dust containing asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma
 Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer which most often occurs in the lining of the lung.
 The average time between first exposure and developing mesothelioma is about 40 years.
 The average survival time after diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is 10-12 months.
 The rates of malignant mesothelioma are expected to rise in the next 8-10 years.
 The risk of contracting asbestos-related diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and
the length of time (years) that asbestos fibres were inhaled.
 The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is greatly increased for smokers.
 Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases don’t usually appear until about 20 to 50 years after the first
exposure to asbestos fibres.
 Fact sheets about asbestos and health risks can be found at www.asbestosawareness.com.au
Get to kNOw asbestos materials
 In Australia, a complete ban of asbestos and its products became effective in 2003.
 Most people can't tell whether building materials contain asbestos just by looking at them.
 Only scientific testing of a sample of material by an accredited National Association of Testing
Authorities (NATA) asbestos testing laboratory can confirm the presence of asbestos. For
information on testing and accredited laboratories in your area, visit www.nata.asn.au or call (03)
9274 8200.


Asbestos building materials is described as either "non-friable" or "friable".
Friable asbestos is any material containing asbestos and is in the form of a powder or can be
crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.
Friable asbestos was mainly used in industrial applications.
Non-Friable asbestos is any material (other than friable asbestos) that contains asbestos. Nonfriable asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.
Common uses for non-friable asbestos in buildings include: flat (fibro), corrugated or compressed
asbestos cement sheets; water, drainage and flue pipes; and floor tiles.
Get to kNOw about Loose-fill asbestos found in homes in NSW and the ACT
Loose-fill asbestos was sold as ceiling insulation In the 1960s and 1970s, for residential and commercial
premises mainly by one company trading in the ACT as Mr Fluffy. Most properties impacted are located in
the ACT, a small number of properties in south east NSW have also been identified as containing this type
of insulation.
WorkCover NSW is contracting an independent specialist to work with the NSW Heads of Asbestos
Coordination Authorities (HACA) to help establish the scope of properties impacted by loose-filled asbestos
ceiling insulation material and providing assistance to local councils and homeowners of impacted
properties as well as workers who have the potential to disturb loose-fill asbestos insulation.
For more information on affected councils please visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.
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Get to kNOw where asbestos might be in homes?
Australians may unknowingly put their health and the health of families, children, and neighbours at risk
because they don’t kNOw the dangers of asbestos or where it might be found in and around homes.
Products made from bonded asbestos cement that may have been used in your home include:
 Fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated) which may have been used in internal walls and ceilings,
external walls and cladding, infill panels in windows and doors, eves, fencing, carports, backyard
sheds and dog kennels, electrical switchboards, sheeting under floor tiles, bathroom walls, backing
to floor tiles and sheet vinyl, carpet underlay, and the backing behind the ceramic wall tiles and
textile seals to the oven.
 Water drainage and flue pipes.
 Roofing shingles and guttering.
 In some homes, loose-fill asbestos was used in ceiling space as insulation. Please see details
under ‘Loose-fill asbestos in homes in NSW and the ACT’.
IMPORTANT: If fire, hail, or water blasting damages non-friable asbestos, it may become friable asbestos
material and must be managed and removed by a licenced Friable Asbestos Removalist.
Useful links
Refer to websites where the community can access vital information about managing asbestos safely.
1. Visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au to find out where you might find asbestos in the home and
how to manage it safely.
2. Visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au to find out about regulations.
3. Visit www.adri.org.au to find out more about research into asbestos diseases.
4. Visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au to find out about the safe disposal of asbestos.
5. Visit www.asbestossafety.gov.au for information
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Get to kNOw the dangers of asbestos and DIY!
Asbestos exposure has been linked to DIY renovating! In the past Australians diagnosed with malignant
mesothelioma has primarily been men exposed to asbestos through work-related exposure. Today there is
a growing body of evidence that more people including women are being diagnosed through nonoccupational exposure including during home renovations.
If asbestos is disturbed during renovations or in the demolition of homes containing asbestos, fibres can be
released into the air and be inhaled. Inhaled fibres increase the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma
or lung cancer.
A study (MJA in press) by Professor Anthony Johnson et al into ‘The prevalence of self-reported asbestos
exposure during home renovation in NSW residents’ showed:
 60.5% of do it yourself (DIY) renovators reported being exposed to asbestos during home
renovations.
 53% reported their partner and 40% reported their children were also exposed to asbestos during
home DIY home renovations.
 Non DIY renovators were less likely to be exposed or have their families exposed.
 58% of DIY renovators cut AC Fibro Sheeting – this was the most common activity resulting in
asbestos exposure.
 37% of DIY renovators reported using a power tool to cut asbestos products.
 Thus asbestos exposure is common during home renovations.
The Australian Mesothelioma Registry’s 2014 Report shows that of the 350 people diagnosed with
mesothelioma where there is information about asbestos exposure, 137 (39.14%) were classified as nonoccupational exposure. Of these 37.2% were home renovators and of those 33% were women.
Get to kNOw which occupations may come in contact with asbestos in their work
Trades - Carpenters, joiners, builders, bricklayers, painters and tillers, electricians, electricity industry
supply workers, building maintenance workers, building construction and civil construction workers,
plumbers, roofers, boilermakers, welders, metal and mechanical trades including fitters, turners, machinists,
telecommunications technicians, landscapers, automotive repair workers, demolition workers, emergency
services workers and their volunteers, landfill operators, waste disposal facility workers, ship and boat
builders, marine engineers, waterside workers.
Get to kNOw the legal requirements in your state and territory when working with asbestos!
Regulations about asbestos management may vary in each Australian state and territory so homeowners
and renovators can visit asbestosawareness.com.au for information on asbestos management that are
relevant to their home state.
National
 Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency – www.asbestossafety.gov.au

Australian Capital Territory
 Asbestos ACT www.asbestos.act.gov.au
 ACT Asbestos Taskforce www.act.gov.au/asbestos-response-taskforce
New South Wales
 Asbestos Management & Removal in the Home
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Pages/WC00315_FibroandAsbestosforr
enovatorsandhomeowne_.aspx
 Asbestos Disposal www.epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/asbestos/index.htm
 WorkCover NSW Asbestos and Demolition Licence Holder Search Facility
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/online-searches/Pages/adl-search.aspx
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
Asbestos - A guide for householders and the general public.
www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-enhealth-asbestos-may2012.htm
Northern Territory
 Asbestos Management www.health.nt.gov.au/Environmental_Health/Asbestos_Management
Queensland
 Asbestos Queensland www.deir.qld.gov.au/asbestos/
South Australia
 Asbestos Occupational Health and Safety www.safework.sa.gov.au
Tasmania
 Asbestos Tasmania www.asbestos.tas.gov.au/
Victoria
 Asbestos Victoria http://www.asbestos.vic.gov.au/
Regulations in NSW (example)
In NSW, the Government has regulations in force to protect you, your family, the environment and the
community when you are working with asbestos. Legal requirements relating to asbestos include:
 It is illegal to dispose of asbestos waste in domestic garbage bins.
 It is illegal to re-use or recycle asbestos products.
 It is illegal to dump asbestos products.
 Power tools should not be used unless the dust is captured or supressed.
 It is illegal to waterblast asbestos cement sheets (fibro).
 Only licenced asbestos removalists can remove asbestos of 10 square metres or more.
 Only licenced Friable Asbestos Removalists are able to handle or remove friable asbestos.
 Licenced removalists are to notify WorkCover of asbestos removal 5 days before removing friable or
greater than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos.
 All licenced contractors have to be able to give you a copy of their licence, you should ask to see
their licence when hiring an asbestos removalist to ensure they have a current licence.
 10 square metres is equivalent to the size of a typical bedroom wall in an average home or about
the size of a small bathroom or an outside toilet or shed.
 All licenced contractors must be able to give you a copy of their current licence - ask to see their
licence when hiring an asbestos removalist.
 All asbestos removal is to be in accordance with the Code of Practice How to safely remove
asbestos. It is illegal to bury asbestos on your own property.
 All asbestos must be legally disposed of at a lawful landfill site. Not every landfill site in NSW is
authorised to accept asbestos. To find a site near you visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au.
 Your council may also have policies regarding the removal of asbestos so visit your council’s
website to find out what’s required.
 To learn more information about working safely with asbestos and links to councils, WorkCover and
EPA please visit asbestosawareness.com.au.
Visit WorkCover for information and regulations regarding management, handling, training and licencing for
asbestos removal: workcover.nsw.gov.au. Visit the Environment Protection Authority for a brochure ‘Safely
disposing of asbestos waste from your home’ which contains information for home renovators and builders
on the safe handling, storage, transport and disposal of asbestos waste: environment.nsw.gov.au.
Get to kNOw about removal of Asbestos by licenced removalists in NSW
To ensure protection of you and your family we recommend using a licenced professional to remove
asbestos from your home. To carry out this type of work in New South Wales contractors must:
 Be licenced from WorkCover NSW to remove any amount of friable asbestos.
 Have a licence from WorkCover NSW to remove 10 square metres or more of Non friable asbestos.
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IMPORTANT: Confirm the contractor has the appropriate class of licence for the asbestos removal job and
ask for a copy of their licence prior to engaging them. For more information, contact: WorkCover NSW on
13 10 50 or, The Asbestos and Demolition Unit Information line on (02) 8260 5885.
When the licenced removalist has disposed of the asbestos, ask the company to provide you with copies of
disposal receipts and retain them for your records.
Get to kNOw if it is safe to remove asbestos yourself?
If you must remove it yourself, you MUST take precautions! Removing asbestos can be a dangerous and
complicated process. We recommend using licenced professional removalists who will also dispose of it in
accordance with NSW Government regulations.
However, if you are thinking about removing even a small amount of asbestos yourself, at the very
minimum you should meticulously follow ALL of the steps listed at asbestosawareness.com.au in order to
protect your health and the health of those around you including children.
The important point is this: if you need to work with materials that may contain asbestos, you must work so
there is a minimal release of fibres, dust or small particles from the asbestos materials. It is recommended
that if you are considering removing or working with asbestos yourself, you undertake a training course to
ensure you have the training to do it safely. A list of asbestos removal registered training organisations can
be found via asbestosawareness.com.au.
IMPORTANT: If the asbestos is in powder form or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by
hand pressure when dry, it must be removed by an asbestos removal contractor with a friable asbestos
licence.
Get to kNOw about asbestos waste disposal
 Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at specific landfills located in various regions of in NSW.
 To arrange to dispose of asbestos, you must first contact your local council to locate your nearest
licenced waste landfill site.
 Ensure asbestos waste has been wetted, wrapped in 200um thick plastic, and sealed with tape
before it is transported to a landfill site that may lawfully receive the waste.
 It must be clearly labelled as "asbestos waste".
 It must be transported in a covered, leak-proof vehicle.
 It is wise to keep copies of receipts from landfills where asbestos was taken as councils or the
Environment Protection Authority may require you to produce these receipts as proof of proper
disposal.
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ASBESTOS EDUCATION COMMITTEE - ASBESTOS AWARENESS MONTH (NOVEMBER)
The Asbestos Awareness Month campaign is overseen by WorkCover, the ACTU and James Hardie and
supported by the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute. Funding for this campaign was provided by James
Hardie Industries SE and the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities.
In 2011, the Asbestos Education Committee (AEC) in partnership with the Asbestos Diseases Research
Institute (ADRI) conducted a NSW based campaign to educate homeowners about the dangers of asbestos
when renovating or maintaining homes. Following the success of the NSW Asbestos Awareness Campaign,
the AEC and ADRI launched a national campaign, Asbestos Awareness Week 2012. In 2013, the AEC and
ADRI launched a national Asbestos Awareness Month.
ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES
Asbestos-Related Disease Statistics
Malignant mesothelioma is the most common of the asbestos-related diseases monitored in Australia. This
is because there is a strong causal association between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma.
A total of 11,667 people were newly diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in Australia between 1982 and
2009, with men making up 85% of all cases. Since 2003, approximately 600 cases of newly diagnosed
malignant mesothelioma cases have been reported each year.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer arising from the lining (mesothelium) of the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The
disease is usually advanced before symptoms appear, making an early diagnosis and effective treatment
very difficult. The average survival time after diagnosis is only 10-11 months. A small exposure to asbestos
can be enough to trigger the cancer, however a relatively small percentage of people exposed to asbestos
develop mesothelioma. There usually is a lag of 30-40 years after the first asbestos exposure before the
disease is diagnosed.
Pleural Disease
Inflammation of the outer lining of the lung, the pleura (where asbestos fibres are deposited). The pleura
stiffens and thickens widely (diffuse thickening) or in patches (plaques), and can fill with fluid.
Asbestosis
This is scarring of the lungs by inhalation of large quantities of asbestos fibres: the lung becomes inflamed
and scarred (stiff) making breathing progressively difficult. Symptoms include tightness in the chest, dry
cough, and in the later stages, a bluish tinge to the skin caused by lack of oxygen. Asbestosis is usually
seen in former asbestos miners, asbestos manufacturing workers and insulation workers, and usually takes
a decade or more to develop.
Lung Cancer
Exposure to asbestos fibres greatly increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if they
are also a smoker.
REFERENCES
Park EK, Hyland R, Yates D, Thomas PS, Johnson A. Asbestos exposure during home renovation in New South
Wales. Medical Journal Australasia, September 2013; 199 (6): 410-413.
https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2013/199/6/asbestos-exposure-during-home-renovation-new-south-wales
Olsen NJ, Franklin PJ, Reid A, de Klerk NH, Threlfall TJ, Shilkin K, Musk B, 5-Sept-2011, “Increasing incidence of
malignant mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos during home maintenance and renovation”, Medical Journal of
Australia, 195 (5): 271-274.
www.mja.com.au/journal/2011/195/5/increasing-incidence-malignant-mesothelioma-after-exposure-asbestos-during-home
Park EK, Hyland R, Yates D, Thomas PS, Johnson A. Prevalence of self-reported asbestos exposure during home
renovation in NSW residents. Respirology Supplement 1, Poster 143. March 2010.
www.mja.com.au/journal/2013/199/6/asbestos-exposure-during-home-renovation-new-south-wales
Australian Mesothelioma Registry Reports 2012, 2013 & 2014 www.mesothelioma-australia.com/publications
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ASBESTOS DISEASES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
As a response to the increasing incidence of malignant mesothelioma in Australia, the Asbestos Diseases
Research Institute (ADRI), located in the Bernie Banton Centre, Concord NSW was opened by the then
Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd in January 2009. ADRI was established by the Asbestos Diseases
Research Foundation (a charitable not-for-profit organisation) dedicated to preventing asbestos related
diseases.
The ADRI’s primary objectives are to: Improve the diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related disease and
at the same time to contribute to more effective measures to prevent exposure to asbestos. With the
establishment of the ADRI, as the first stand-alone research institute dedicated to tackling this silent and
still increasing epidemic, Australia has taken a vital step forward in the international fight against asbestosrelated diseases.
Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) almost uniquely caused by asbestos exposure was seldom diagnosed until
the 1960’s. Since 2003 approximately 600 Australians were diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma each
year and experts have estimated that there were at least another 1,350 Australians with lung cancer caused
by asbestos. A tragic consequence of highly intensive use of asbestos and its products in Australia in the
previous century, it is estimated that these figures will continue to rise in the coming decades.
MM is a disease that develops several years after the first exposure to asbestos fibres. However, the
disease is currently also diagnosed in young adults incidentally exposed to asbestos fibres as children. The
fact that approximately 1/3 of older Australian homes built or renovated before the mid 1980’s contain
asbestos, reinforces the significance of Australians undertaking adequate preventive measures.
The prognosis of MM patients is poor and almost all will experience severely debilitating symptoms. MM is
only partially responding to the current forms of oncologic therapy and currently there is no curative
treatment for the disease. It is therefore critical that we make a substantial investment in medical research
to find better means of understanding the specific biology of MM in order to try to achieve better clinical
outcomes for people affected by the disease.
Why invest in research in Malignant Mesothelioma (MM)
When compared to other frequently diagnosed cancers such as breast cancer and melanoma, MM has
been under-studied. However, outcomes of research conducted into MM provide excellent opportunities for
insights into cancer that can be widely applied. For example:
a) The carcinogen is known: For most solid human malignancies, the actual carcinogen is not known
(even for cigarette smoke where multiple carcinogens have been implicated). The single dominant
carcinogen for the development of MM is asbestos. Therefore, its role can be followed in studies
ranging from the laboratory to epidemiological studies.
b) At-risk cohorts can be identified and followed: One of the keys to studying populations at risk of
cancer is to be able to identify those at highest risk. Because individuals who have been exposed to
high levels of asbestos are at (high) risk of developing MM (e.g., occupational exposure), these
individuals can be followed prospectively over decades in screening/biomarker studies.
c) High quality animal models exist: Animal models of MM pathogenesis and treatment can be studied
and translated into novel therapies for MM patients.
d) Novel treatments are desperately needed: The options for current standard treatment are limited
and new agents can be investigated relatively easily.
e) Common responsibility: MM as a man-made disease that not only asks for responsibility from
employers and legislators, but also from Australian society that as a whole, has permitted intensive
asbestos use in the past.
MEDIA RELEASE – ASBESTOS AWARENESS MONTH 1 – 30 NOVEMBER 2014
Insight Communications – 02 9518 4744 Clare Collins – 0414 821 957 or Alice Collins – 0414 686 091
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