Residents are being reminded to beware of asbestos while renovating homes as part of Asbestos Awareness Week.

Asbestos Awareness Week, which runs from 21-27 November, aims to remind home renovators and tradespeople about the danger of asbestos. This year’s campaign is split into three parts, including:

1. Think ahead - Remember that asbestos was used in over 3000 building products and can be found throughout the home.
2. Plan ahead - Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause cancer. Fibres from disturbed, damaged or deteriorating asbestos are easily inhaled and can be a health risk. There’s no fast or easy way to remove it, so plan ahead to avoid delays and cost blow outs.
3. Get a professional - Please don’t risk your health, or anyone else’s health. If you’re renovating, start by contacting a licensed asbestos professional if you aren’t trained to locate, manage or remove it.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, called on residents to educate themselves on the dangers of asbestos before renovating their homes.

“It is important that our residents follow the required safety measures even while working on their homes,” Cr Fedeli said.

“If your home was built before 1990, it could contain asbestos. It can be found throughout your home, in walls, bathrooms, ceilings, floors, laundries, kitchens, roofs, fences and garages.

“Remember, asbestos is dangerous when damaged, disturbed or deteriorating so you shouldn't remove it yourself.

“If you're looking to renovate, planning ahead will help avoid delays and cost blow outs.”

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of life-threatening diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

For more information on asbestos, visit the Safe Work NSW website.