Calderwood Asbestos Removal

The suburb of Calderwood, known for its unique blend of historical and contemporary architecture, has a significant history of asbestos usage in its key buildings, public facilities, and infrastructure. Asbestos, a once-popular building material due to its heat resistance and insulating properties, was commonly used in the construction of many of Calderwood’s most recognizable landmarks during the mid-20th century. The Calderwood Town Hall, the Old School House, and the Calderwood Railway Station are among the structures where asbestos was extensively used. The timeline of its use spans from the 1940s to the late 1980s, coinciding with the period when asbestos was a standard material in the Australian construction industry. The homes in Calderwood, largely built in the post-war era, typically feature a mix of weatherboard and fibro construction, with many original homes still retaining their asbestos-containing materials.

Currently, the presence of asbestos in Calderwood presents significant challenges and health implications. Asbestos, when disturbed, releases fibres that can cause serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Prominent locations such as Calderwood Primary School, the Town Hall, and the Calderwood Cultural Centre have all been subject to rigorous asbestos management plans. Local authorities have undertaken extensive efforts to remove asbestos from these sites, prioritizing public safety. These efforts include regular inspections, risk assessments, and the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials by licensed professionals. Despite these measures, there have been several reported incidents of asbestos exposure in Calderwood. A notable case occurred in 2015, when a renovation project at the Calderwood Railway Station led to the accidental release of asbestos fibres, causing widespread concern among local residents and prompting a comprehensive review of asbestos management practices in the suburb.