Belmore Asbestos Removal

Belmore, a suburb located in the Canterbury-Bankstown Council of New South Wales, Australia, has a rich history that is unfortunately tainted by the widespread use of asbestos in its buildings and infrastructure. Asbestos, a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals, was extensively used in the construction industry throughout the 20th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage. Key buildings in Belmore, such as the Belmore Sports Ground and the Belmore South Public School, were constructed during this period and likely contain asbestos. The suburb’s residential areas, characterized by a mix of Federation-style homes and post-war fibro houses, also feature asbestos in their walls, ceilings, roofs, and fences. The use of asbestos in these structures continued until the mid-1980s when its health risks became widely recognized and its use was subsequently banned.

Today, the presence of asbestos in Belmore poses significant health risks to its residents and workers. When disturbed, asbestos can release microscopic fibres into the air which, when inhaled, can lead to serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. In response to these risks, local authorities have taken steps to manage and mitigate asbestos exposure. For instance, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council provides information and resources on how to safely manage asbestos in homes and workplaces. Major schools and government buildings have also implemented asbestos management plans, which involve regular inspections and the safe removal and disposal of any identified asbestos. Despite these efforts, there have been reported incidents of asbestos exposure in Belmore. In 2017, for example, residents were exposed to asbestos fibres following the illegal demolition of a fibro house. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of asbestos management in Belmore and the need for continued vigilance and action.