Silverwater Asbestos Removal

The industrial suburb of Silverwater, located in Western Sydney, has a history intertwined with the widespread use of asbestos in its construction and infrastructure. Asbestos, a once-popular building material known for its durability and fire-resistant properties, was commonly used in Silverwater’s key buildings and public facilities during the mid-20th century. Recognizable landmarks, such as the Silverwater Correctional Complex and various industrial units, along with the infrastructure of the Silverwater Bridge, are examples where asbestos materials were likely utilized. The style of homes in Silverwater is diverse, ranging from older, post-war fibro houses, which often contained asbestos in sheeting, to more modern brick veneer and townhouse developments. The timeline of asbestos use in these places predominantly spans from the 1940s to the late 1980s, before the full health implications of asbestos were widely acknowledged and its use was phased out.

Currently, Silverwater faces challenges with the legacy of asbestos, particularly in terms of health implications for residents and workers. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can pose a significant health risk when disturbed, leading to serious diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. In response, local authorities have undertaken measures to manage these issues, especially in prominent locations like schools and government buildings. For instance, asbestos removal projects have been conducted in accordance with strict safety regulations to minimize exposure. Public safety measures include regular inspections, risk assessments, and community awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos. Significant health reports have emerged, highlighting the necessity of these actions, and incidents of asbestos exposure have prompted a more rigorous approach to managing the remaining asbestos in Silverwater’s infrastructure and residential areas.