Asbestos exposure during home renovation in New South Wales

Abstract

Asbestos exposure is causally associated with the development of malignant mesothelioma (MM), which is increasingly being reported after exposure to asbestos fibro sheeting in Australia. In this study, we investigate self-reported non-occupational asbestos exposure during home renovation in New South Wales. Cross-sectional mailed questionnaire examining renovation activity, tasks undertaken during renovation and self-reported exposure to asbestos among respondents and their family members in NSW between January and June 2008. 10000adults aged 18-99years, randomly selected from the NSW electoral roll. We received 3612responses, while 365questionnaires did not reach addressees, giving an overall response rate of 37.5%. Differences in self-reported asbestos exposure between do-it-yourself (DIY) and non-DIY renovators. 1597participants (44.2%) had renovated their home and among these, 858participants (53.7%) self-reported as DIY renovators. Of these, 527(61.4%) reported asbestos exposure during home renovations, 337(39.3%) reported that their partner had been exposed to asbestos during renovations, and 196(22.8%) reported that their children had been exposed. More than 20% of renovators planned to further renovate their current homes within the next 5years. Self-reported asbestos exposure during home renovation is common. This preventable exposure could place adults and children at risk of MM many years into the future. Although such exposure is self-reported and ideally should be verified, this study identifies a potentially important problem in NSW.