Fassifern Asbestos Removal

Fassifern, a suburb rich in history and architectural diversity, has a significant past with asbestos usage. In the mid-20th century, asbestos was commonly used in the construction of many key buildings, public facilities, and infrastructure within Fassifern due to its heat-resistant properties and durability. Landmarks such as the Fassifern Railway Station, the Fassifern Public School, and the Fassifern Sports Club were all built during this period and likely contain asbestos materials. The residential areas of Fassifern are characterized by a mix of Federation and California Bungalow style homes, many of which were constructed using asbestos cement sheeting, commonly known as ‘fibro’. The use of asbestos in these structures continued until the late 1980s when the health risks associated with asbestos became widely recognized and its use was subsequently banned.

Today, the presence of asbestos in Fassifern poses significant health risks and challenges. Asbestos, when disturbed, can release fibres into the air which, when inhaled, can cause diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Major institutions like the Fassifern Public School and government buildings have had to undertake extensive asbestos management and removal programs to ensure the safety of their occupants. The local authorities have implemented stringent measures for asbestos removal, including mandatory testing, safe removal and disposal procedures, and public awareness campaigns. Despite these efforts, there have been incidents of asbestos-related health issues in Fassifern. In 2015, a report from the New South Wales Health Department highlighted several cases of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, in the Fassifern area. These incidents underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and stringent safety measures in managing asbestos-related issues in Fassifern.