Asbestos is a type of mineral fibre used in industrial and commercial products, due to its binding strength and resistance to heat. This includes but is not limited to, the following products:

• roofing shingles
• cladding materials
• ceiling materials
• cement compounds
• textile products
• automotive parts.
• floor tiles
• insulating board
• fire doors
• gas or electric heaters
• fuse boxes
• gaskets 
• lagging around pipes
• sprayed insulation 
• brake linings
• friction linings 

It is classified as carcinogen, capable of causing three asbestos related cancers, Mesothelium, Asbestosis, and Lung Cancer.

Statistics rate that 170 NZ workers die from asbestos-related cancer each year.

It is classified under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). This classification was adopted by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1976 and has since been used in 52 countries including New Zealand.

There are two groups, and six common types:

SERPENTINE: (curly fibres)

Chrysotile (white) -  Chrysotile is one of the most common forms of asbestos found on earth. This type of asbestos accounts for approximately 90 percent of commercially-used asbestos in the world. Chrysotile asbestos fibers are long, white, and curly.

AMPHIBOLE: (needle like fibres) 

Crocidolite (Blue) – known for the highest heat resistance. It is considered the most dangerous type of asbestos due to its very thin fibres.

Tremolite – exists in a variety of colours. Not used commercially on its own but often mixed with chrysotile in talcs, paints and sealants.

Anthophyllite – Like Tremolite, was not used commercially on its own but with also mixed with chrysotile for similar products.

Actinolite – green asbestos, like Tremolite and Anthophylite was not used commercially on its own but is found in paints, sealants, children’s toys and more.

Amosite (Brown) – Brown asbestos rich in iron and often used in insulation.    

During the Industrial Revolution, asbestos was mined and manufactured in massive amounts. 

It was well liked because it was flameproof, waterproof, resistant to chemicals and electricity, and also because it was malleable. However, the link between asbestos and ill health was not thoroughly investigated until the early 20th century when in 1931, the UK Parliament passed the first Asbestos Industry Regulations.    

ASBESTOS IN NEW ZEALAND

Raw asbestos was first imported into New Zealand in the late 1930s. It was used to make products that comprised of asbestos mixed with cement. These were manufactured until the mid-1980s.  New Zealand’s first Asbestos Regulations did not come into effect until 1978.

2016 ASBESTOS REGULATIONS IN BUILDING MATERIALS

By law, a person involved in demolition and refurbishment must conduct a thorough risk assessments when planning work on a home or workplace built before 1 January 2000, including testing for asbestos.

If asbestos is present, it must be removed prior to the demolition or refurbishment work.  

Buildings built, altered or refurbished from 1940 until the mid-1980s are likely to contain asbestos contaminated material (ACM). Buildings built after 1 January 2000 are less likely to contain ACMs, but given there is no ban on importing ACMs, some buildings built after this time may contain it.

Please see the websites on our links page for more information.

We are a licensed asbestos removalist

We can recommend surveyors to pre- survey your property for possible asbestos contamination. As your removal contractor, we will also provide a risk analysis assessment, and a Safe Work Method Statement and Asbestos Removal Control Plan. You will be rest assured in best practice Health and Safety Policy.