Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in New Zealand construction for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. After its health risks were discovered, NZ banned its use, but many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that put occupants and workers at risk during renovation or demolition.

The danger is that asbestos can’t be identified by sight alone. Many ACMs look identical to modern, safe materials, and disturbing them releases microscopic fibres into the air.

Inhaled asbestos fibres can lodge permanently in the lungs and lead to serious illness, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. There’s no safe level of exposure, and symptoms often don’t appear until 20 to 30 years later. Prompt, licensed asbestos removal is the only safe way to manage the risk.

Start with these two key questions:

• When was your building constructed?
• Has the property been refurbished or had additions made prior to 2000?

If your building was constructed or altered between 1940 and the mid-1980s, there’s a high chance it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Structures built after 2000 are less likely to contain ACMs, but this can’t be guaranteed without testing. Here’s what to do next:

• Ask to see the building plans
• For a factory or manufacturing facility, review the building’s history and speak to plant suppliers about any ACM components
• Get expert advice before disturbing any suspect materials
• Arrange a visual inspection and IANZ-accredited lab analysis through a licensed asbestos removal company