The president of the Asbestos Disease Foundation of Australia (ADFA) says the national death toll from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases continues to rise, and more and more do-it-yourself home renovators are now being counted among the deceased.
According to an article on News.com Australia, experts believe the death toll of 3,000 per year will double in Australia within the next 10 years. Barry Robson of the ADFA said the first cases of renovators falling victim to the diseases were appearing, and he warned the general public there were “many more to come.â€
Asbestos expert Jim Leigh explained that the first round of mesothelioma was generally found among asbestos miners in Australia. The second round hit tradespeople, such as construction workers and contractors. He believes do-it-yourselfers and the major victims and the third round and will be hit hard in the coming years.
Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society chairperson, Chris Smith, who currently suffers with asbestos-related lung cancer, offered a stern warning to home renovators.
“One exposure may kill, so if you’re not sure if it’s asbestos, wear a mask,” Smith said. “The asbestos out there now is in a worse condition than it was. It’s deteriorating and dusting away.”
