Asbestos Detection & Dangers

Choosing a trusted asbestos removal company like AMR Team is essential when protecting your property from asbestos exposure and long-term health risks.

Understanding the History of Asbestos Use

For decades, asbestos was hailed as a miracle material. Its strength, fire resistance, and insulating properties made it a favourite in construction worldwide. In New Zealand, asbestos became widely used from the 1940s to the 1980s, particularly in roofing, wall cladding, textured ceilings, and flooring. However, as medical research advanced, the health dangers of asbestos exposure became undeniable. Prolonged inhalation of airborne fibres was linked to deadly diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. By the 1990s, regulations began phasing out its use. While New Zealand banned the importation of raw asbestos in 1984, asbestos-containing materials continued to be installed until 2000. Today, many older properties still contain hidden asbestos, posing serious risks during renovations or demolitions. That’s why identifying and managing asbestos hazards remains a priority for homeowners, commercial property managers, and contractors alike.

Recognising the Hidden Dangers of Asbestos

Although asbestos is no longer used in construction, its legacy remains embedded in countless buildings across New Zealand. Many homeowners are unaware their property contains asbestos until maintenance or renovation work begins. The real danger emerges when these fibres become airborne. Once disturbed, asbestos can release microscopic fibres that linger in the air and, if inhaled, embed themselves in lung tissue. Symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses may take decades to develop, making early detection and preventative action essential. Even short-term exposure during DIY projects can result in long-term health implications. Children, tradespeople, and residents are all at risk if proper safety measures aren’t followed. That’s why engaging a certified asbestos removal company like AMR Team is so important. They help mitigate the risk by safely identifying and removing asbestos-containing materials before they become a hazard.

How Asbestos Exposure Affects Health

When inhaled, asbestos fibres lodge deep in the lungs, where the body cannot break them down. Over time, this can trigger inflammation, scarring, and eventually life-threatening diseases. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestosis, another serious condition, results in permanent lung damage and breathing difficulties. Other potential illnesses include pleural thickening and lung cancer. These diseases typically appear 20 to 40 years after exposure, which makes them particularly dangerous. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and chronic cough often go unnoticed until the illness has progressed. There’s no cure for these conditions, only symptom management. This delayed onset is why asbestos is considered a silent killer. Preventing exposure in the first place is the only sure safeguard. Working with a trusted asbestos removal company ensures hazardous materials are dealt with responsibly and legally under current safety regulations.

Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found

In New Zealand homes and commercial buildings, asbestos-containing materials were used extensively before 2000. Common locations include roof tiles, soffits, wall linings, vinyl flooring, fencing, ceiling panels, insulation around pipes, and textured ceiling coatings. Commercial and industrial buildings often contain asbestos in plant rooms, boiler cladding, or fireproof insulation. In residential settings, asbestos may be hidden beneath carpets, behind bathroom linings, or within exterior cladding. Its presence isn’t always obvious—many materials containing asbestos appear harmless and resemble non-asbestos alternatives. Only professional testing can confirm its presence. Property owners often discover asbestos during renovations, plumbing work, or roof replacements. At that point, disturbing it without precautions can release dangerous fibres into the air. AMR Team, as a licensed asbestos removal company, uses thorough inspection processes to locate and assess potential risks before work begins.

The Importance of Professional Asbestos Detection

Accurate asbestos detection requires specialised training and laboratory testing. Even experienced builders can’t confirm the presence of asbestos based on appearance alone. Professional assessors use sample collection methods approved by WorkSafe New Zealand. These samples are analysed under polarised light microscopy to determine fibre type and concentration. Homeowners should never attempt to identify or remove asbestos themselves. Misidentifying materials can lead to dangerous exposure. By engaging a qualified asbestos removal company, property owners gain access to safe, science-based detection services. AMR Team uses non-destructive techniques to minimise disruption and ensure accurate results. Their detailed site assessments form the basis for safe removal or encapsulation plans. They also guide clients through compliance with local and national safety standards. Early identification helps avoid costly delays during building projects and significantly reduces health risks for everyone involved.

Legal Responsibilities for Property Owners

New Zealand law places legal responsibilities on property owners, landlords, and businesses to manage asbestos risks effectively. Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, anyone with management or control of a workplace must identify asbestos and have an asbestos management plan if asbestos is likely to be disturbed. Even in private homes, if renovation work involves contractors, there may be legal obligations to identify and mitigate asbestos risks beforehand. Failure to comply can result in fines or prosecution. That’s why partnering with an experienced asbestos removal company like AMR Team is critical. They understand regulatory requirements and help clients stay compliant throughout every phase of the project. Their licensed team ensures safe removal, documentation, and disposal processes that meet government expectations. Working with professionals also protects tradespeople, tenants, and residents from accidental exposure.