Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli is reminding residents of the importance of an asbestos check before commencing home improvements as part of National Asbestos Awareness Week.

The annual event aims to help Australians remember the danger of asbestos with related diseases causing approximately 4,000 deaths a year.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians have increased their love of DIY and are using the extra time at home to do some home improvements and maintenance.

“It is easy to forget that asbestos is still present in millions of Australian homes, in particular those which were built or renovated before 1990,” Cr Fedeli said.

“Research shows that 1 in 5 DIYers have encountered asbestos, but only half sought any kind of professional help to deal with it.

“Just like plumbing and electrical work, asbestos removal – or jobs around the home that might uncover asbestos - are jobs best left to the experts.”

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.