Earlwood Asbestos Removal

The suburb of Earlwood, located in the Inner West of Sydney, has a rich history that is unfortunately tainted by the widespread use of asbestos in its construction and infrastructure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, was commonly used in the mid-20th century for its fire-resistant properties, particularly in the construction of homes, public facilities, and infrastructure. In Earlwood, many of the older homes, built in the post-war era, are of the Federation and Californian Bungalow style, and it is these homes that are most likely to contain asbestos. Notably, the Earlwood Public School, a key landmark in the suburb, was also built during this period and has been identified as a site where asbestos was used extensively. The timeline of asbestos use in these structures spans several decades, from the 1940s until the late 1980s when the harmful effects of asbestos became widely recognized.

Today, the presence of asbestos in Earlwood poses significant health risks and challenges for the community. Asbestos fibres, when disturbed and inhaled, can lead to serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. This is a particular concern in places like the Earlwood Public School and other government buildings, where ongoing maintenance and renovations can potentially disturb asbestos materials. To manage these risks, local authorities have implemented stringent asbestos management plans. These plans involve regular inspections, risk assessments, and, where necessary, the safe removal and disposal of asbestos by licensed professionals. Despite these efforts, there have been several reported incidents of asbestos exposure in Earlwood. In 2016, for example, asbestos was discovered in the soil of a residential property, leading to an extensive cleanup operation. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by asbestos in Earlwood and the importance of continued vigilance and management.