BlitZ
Asbestos is known to be a hazardous material, but it can be managed safely. Also, asbestos materials become less of a risk when wet. Thus, the disposal of asbestos is safer in flood-affected areas. However, in the case of properties damaged by fire, asbestos cement sheeting may be damaged as well, releasing airborne asbestos fibres.
Thus, it is of immediate importance that the asbestos risks are managed in properties affected by floods and fires in Australia. But what are the best possible measures to manage this? That’s what this post will look into.
Where is Asbestos Commonly Found in Australian Properties?
If your property in Australia was built or renovated at some point before 1990, it is more than likely that asbestos products have been used in your home. So, what are some typical household locations where asbestos can be found? Here is a chart noting many of the possible locations:
| Inside the House | Outside the House |
| Compressed asbestos sheets Carpet underlay Insulation below the wood heater Cement flooring Internal and external ventilators Vinyl floor tiles Internal wall sheeting Internal angle mouldings | Downpipes Dog kennel Eaves and gables ends Gutters Garage Ridge capping External wall sheeting Sheds and external restrooms |
Table 1: Household Locations Where Asbestos May Be Present
Thus, there is a high risk in the case of fire or flood damage. But what can lead to the risks? If fire or water blasting damages the bonded asbestos, it may be converted to friable asbestos material. In such a situation, it is best to let the asbestos material be managed and disposed of by a licensed asbestos consultant.
How Flooding Leads to Higher Asbestos Exposure Risk
Water damage can lead to asbestos materials becoming broken and dislodged. However, more so than during the flooding, it is during the cleanup that follows that the exposure will occur. Flooding often requires building repairs. Thus, any asbestos material present in your property at that moment will be disturbed, letting loose asbestos fibres in the air.
How Water Damage Leads to Fibre Release
Water damage and the subsequent attempt at clean up can lead to the breakdown of asbestos material, freeing up the fibres by:
- Causing a breakdown of the bonded asbestos materials.
- Leading to contaminated mud, silt, and debris.
- Asbestos seeping into flood-affected soil and waste.
- Disposing of and drying up the asbestos-contaminated debris.
So, natural disaster occurrences lead to disturbances and exposure to asbestos. This harmful material can then enter through your respiratory system, leading to health conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, non-malignant lung and pleural disorders, and so on.
Thus, asbestos analysis in flood-affected areas will be essential for maximum safety measures.
How Fires and Bushfires Can Impact Asbestos
Asbestos dust and fibres can present a major health risk during and after a fire if it is not properly managed. Asbestos fibres may be present in the ash and dust. It may pose a risk due to the friable asbestos content in the disturbed ash or dust, especially when inhaled.
How Heat Turns Asbestos Materials Friable
Properties that were built or renovated at some point before 1990, if burnt during bushfires, would lead to the asbestos-containing materials being disturbed. The disturbed asbestos material would then lead to airborne asbestos fibres. When inhaled, these fibres can pose a risk to human health.
Fire damage can turn asbestos materials friable by turning the asbestos into brittle and airborne particles. This risk is primarily observed during site access or during demolition. Thus, for monitoring activities on pre-90s buildings burned by fire, asbestos analysis is the first task to undertake.
What You Shouldn’t Do After Floods or Fires
Asbestos materials are not generally harmful if not disturbed by an external force. That is why it may be safe to walk around a pre-1990 property after a flood or a fire. However, without careful consideration and actions, some common mistakes can increase the chances of exposure.
Thus, here is a list of things that you should not do in case of fire or flood in your property under the assumption that it consists of asbestos-containing material:
- Do not enter the property until a specialist or an asbestos consultant has advised that it is safe.
- Do not bury the building rubble as it may contain asbestos and pollute the soil.
- Unless you are aware of the required safety precautions, do not perform any DIY clean-up or repair actions.
- Also, try not to cut, drill into, scrape, sand, or dismantle without the full knowledge and understanding of the proper regulatory actions.
To further elaborate on it, here is a chart of Do’s and Don’ts in case of a flood or fire-related disaster in your property:
| Area of Concern | Unsafe Actions (Don’ts) | Safe Actions (Do’s) |
| Damaged Property | Entering a building after fire damage, especially with fire and smoke in the air. | Evacuate your property immediately until given the all-clear. |
| Hazardous Materials | Immediately trying to clean up asbestos materials or chemical spills without appropriate protection. | Call professionals for the hazardous wastes. |
| Electricity or Gas Lines | Touching drowned power lines. | Turn off the main gas or electricity meter if it is safe to do so. |
| Water Supply | Drinking tap water directly in case of a flood. | Boil or disinfect the water to get rid of the contaminants before drinking. |
Table 2: Unsafe and Safe Actions for Flood or Fire-related Disasters
Safe Disposal and Containment of Asbestos After a Disaster
In the case of properties damaged by fire or floods, before repairing the property, it is important to safely dispose of and contain the asbestos fibres freed up due to the flood or fire.
In these conditions, trying to DIY the asbestos disposal can be a terrible and highly risky idea. You need to make sure that you know that you need to ask for a professional asbestos consultant. Thus, first, you need to focus on proper asbestos testing and analysis.
The safety steps that the professional will take during the cleanup and containment include:
- Wetting down all possible asbestos-containing materials before handling them.
- Sealing immobile materials with duct tape and plastic sheeting.
- During the clean-up, putting on proper protective gear is significant.
- Avoiding moving any damaged construction material unless it is necessary.
The professionals are also fully trained in the procedures of decontamination of any asbestos-containing material, especially if they have been damaged by flood or fire.
In Summary
Australia has been affected by fires and floods. And many buildings in the country were built before 1990, risking increased asbestos exposure during fire or flood-related disasters. So, in such situations, the most important thing for you is to protect yourself from asbestos exposure and seek the help of professionals to get rid of these unwanted fibres.
Property Affected by Flood or Fire? Seek Professional Assistance Today!
Has a flood or fire-related accident damaged your pre-90s property? Are you concerned about asbestos exposure? Why not contact a professional asbestos consultant today and make sure to maximise safety!
