Glebe Asbestos Removal

The suburb of Glebe, known for its Victorian terraces and converted industrial spaces, has a significant history of asbestos usage in its buildings and infrastructure. Asbestos, a once-popular building material due to its fire-resistant properties, was commonly used in the construction of many of Glebe’s most recognizable landmarks during the mid-20th century. The iconic Glebe Town Hall, built in 1880, underwent extensive renovations in the 1970s and 1980s, during which asbestos was widely used. Similarly, the University of Sydney’s Mallett Street Campus, located in Glebe, also saw extensive use of asbestos in its buildings during the same period. The residential areas of Glebe, characterized by their Victorian terraces and converted warehouses, also saw widespread use of asbestos in roofing, insulation, and wall linings.

Today, the presence of asbestos in Glebe poses significant health risks and challenges. Asbestos, when disturbed, can release harmful fibres that can cause serious health conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. This is a particular concern in places like the Glebe Public School and the Glebe Town Hall, where ongoing maintenance and renovation works can potentially disturb asbestos-containing materials. Local authorities have taken steps to manage these risks, including the implementation of strict asbestos management plans and the use of licensed asbestos removal contractors. In 2018, the University of Sydney reported several incidents of asbestos exposure on its Mallett Street Campus, leading to a comprehensive review of its asbestos management procedures. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges and health implications of asbestos in Glebe, and underscore the importance of effective asbestos management in protecting public health.