Cronulla Asbestos Removal

The history of asbestos usage in Cronulla, a beachside suburb of Sydney, is deeply intertwined with its architectural and infrastructural development. In the mid-20th century, asbestos was commonly used in the construction of many buildings due to its fire-resistant properties and affordability. Notable structures such as the Cronulla Pavilion and the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, which were built during this period, likely incorporated asbestos in their original construction. The same is true for many of the suburb’s older residential homes, which typically feature a mix of Federation and California Bungalow styles, often with fibro asbestos cement sheeting. The use of asbestos in these buildings continued until the mid-1980s when the health risks associated with asbestos became widely recognized and its use was subsequently banned.

Today, the presence of asbestos in Cronulla presents significant health risks and management challenges. Asbestos fibres, when disturbed and inhaled, can cause serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Prominent locations such as Cronulla High School and various government buildings have had to undertake extensive asbestos removal and management programs to ensure the safety of their occupants. Local authorities have implemented stringent safety measures, including regular inspections, professional removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, and public education campaigns about the risks of asbestos. Despite these efforts, there have been incidents of asbestos-related health issues in Cronulla. For instance, several cases of mesothelioma have been reported among residents and workers who were exposed to asbestos in the suburb’s older buildings and homes. These incidents underscore the ongoing health implications of Cronulla’s asbestos legacy and the importance of continued vigilance in managing this issue.