Leichhardt Asbestos Removal

The history of asbestos usage in Leichhardt, a suburb in the Inner West of Sydney, reflects a broader trend that was common across Australia during the 20th century. Asbestos, once praised for its durability and resistance to heat, was extensively used in the construction of residential, commercial, and public buildings. In Leichhardt, many of the older homes, which predominantly feature Victorian, Federation, and Californian bungalow styles, incorporated asbestos in roofing, insulation, wall sheeting, and even fencing. Public facilities, such as the iconic Leichhardt Town Hall and the Leichhardt Public Library, along with the area’s aging infrastructure, were also likely to have been constructed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during the peak of its usage, which spanned from the 1940s to the late 1980s. The timeline of asbestos use in these structures largely coincides with the periods of their construction and renovation when asbestos was a common building material.

Currently, Leichhardt faces the challenge of managing asbestos-containing materials that remain in its buildings and infrastructure. The health implications of asbestos, which can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, are a significant concern for residents and workers in the suburb. In response, local authorities and the Inner West Council have implemented measures to safely manage and remove asbestos from prominent locations. For instance, schools such as Leichhardt Public School have undergone careful asbestos removal during renovations and maintenance works to ensure the safety of students and staff. The council has also established strict guidelines for the handling and disposal of asbestos waste, and it provides resources for residents to identify and deal with asbestos in their homes. Additionally, health monitoring and reporting systems have been put in place to track any incidents of asbestos exposure, with public health campaigns raising awareness about the risks associated with ACMs in older buildings. These steps are crucial in mitigating the health risks posed by the legacy of asbestos use in Leichhardt’s well-known landmarks and residential areas.