asbestos

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Asbestos (pronounced: or ) is a term used to refer to six naturally occurring silicate minerals. All are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fibre being composed of many microscopic 'fibrils' that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes. Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly heat-resistant, so for many years it was used as a building material. However, it is now a well-known health and safety hazard and the use of asbestos as a building material is illegal in many countries. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to various serious lung conditions, including asbestosis and cancer.Archaeological studies have found evidence of asbestos being used as far back as the Stone Age to strengthen ceramic pots, but large-scale mining began at the end of the 19th century when manufacturers and builders began using asbestos for its desirable physical properties.
Asbestos was widely used during the 20th century until the 1970s, when public recognition of the health hazards of asbestos dust led to its prohibition in mainstream construction and fireproofing in most countries. Despite this, and in part because the consequences of exposure can take decades to arise, at least 100,000 people are thought to die each year from diseases related to asbestos exposure.Despite the severity of asbestos-related diseases, the material has been widely used all over the world, and most buildings constructed before the 1980s are thought to contain asbestos. Many developing countries still support the use of asbestos as a building material, and mining of asbestos is ongoing, with top producer Russia having produced about one million tonnes in 2015.

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    QLD Asbestos Boundary Fence between Business and Residence

    A boundary fence at the back of the neighbour's property turns out to be asbestos. They are a business and they were served with a WHS infringement for no Asbestos Management Plan. They approached us to share in the cost of tearing down the fence and erecting a new one. We aren't sure that...
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    NSW Removing Caveat on My Own Property?

    I have requested the demolition and asbestos removal company to send me the final clearance certificate after they've done the job in order for me doing the payment. However, they don't send the clearance certificate and ask me to do the full payment. The property is sold and we are waiting for...
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    VIC Buried asbestos any legal recourse

    I recently demolished an old house that I purchased some time ago and discovered that the previous owner had buried asbestos in the backyard. I have estimated that asbestos would have already been ban and strict rules were starting to be policed we are talking around the early 90s it has cost me...
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    SA No Asbestos Register for the Property - What Can I Do?

    I am looking to buy a commercial property, but the current owner does not have an asbestos register and there is asbestos on site. What can I do?
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    VIC Are Landlords Obliged to Advise Tenants of Asbestos?

    I would like to know whether landlords are obliged to advise tenants of asbestos. The garage at my rental property contains a garage made of asbestos sheeting and in a very bad state with large cracks & broken sheets( located in the garden beds). This garage was used to store a lot of my goods...
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    QLD Can I Terminate My Current and Future Lease?

    Our rental accommodation was damaged in a mini tornado 2 weeks ago. We declined assistance but now after builders and insurance lying and minimal repairs being affected, we now find that everything is at a standstill because of asbestos. A hygienist had already declared it safe but an owner...
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    WA Australian Consumer Law - Invoice for Fences Twice the Quote?

    Hi Guys, Around September last year, one of my neighbours approached me about removing an asbestos fence and installing a new colourbond fence on the boundary wall. They suggested it would cost $2500 or $1250 each I agreed at the time both to the fence change over and to paying for half the...
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    NSW Defamation of Property - Entitled to Compensation for Financial and Personal Loss?

    Over a year ago, a building report commissioned by a third party falsely stated (amongst other false claims within the building report), that there was asbestos in the property, and that it was a health hazard. The false and unfavourable report was then enough for the prospective buyers of my...
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    QLD Inheritance to Children - Entitled to My Share of the House?

    Hi there, My mother passed away 2.5 years ago after a short battle with asbestos related cancer. She and my father owned a house together and my father has some superannuation which he lives off (possibly along with some pension). Before my mother died she was awarded some money from James...
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    NSW Contractor Screwed Through Ceiling into Asbestos

    Recently we had solar panels installed on our roof by Australian Home Services. Australian Home Services contracted PH Electrical to do the installation. When they installed the panels they screwed through into our asbestos celing. Now Australian Home Services are demanding we pay them for the...