# Hidden dangers in home renovations:The asbestos risk **URL:** \ **Category:** News\ **Created:** [August 21, 2025, 1:47pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767 "2025-08-21T13:47:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Onyxx](https://home.renovation.reviews/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/da6949/32.png) [@Onyxx](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Onyxx)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 1:47pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/1 "2025-08-21T13:47:02Z")
1. Introduction Home renovation projects are increasingly popular among young Australians seeking affordable housing upgrades. However, many are unaware of the hidden dangers lurking in older properties, particularly asbestos. A recent case involving a young South Australian couple highlights the serious health risks associated with DIY renovations without prior safety checks. -– 2. Case Study: The Couple’s Ordeal Individuals Involved: Shai Howland and Nathan Greenshields Incident: While stripping wallpaper in their newly purchased home, they discovered the adhesive may have contained asbestos. Problem: They undertook the work without protective equipment, leaving them exposed to potential asbestos fibers. Reaction: The discovery left them “anxious” and regretful, prompting them to share their story publicly to warn others. Public Response: Online commenters urged them to stop work immediately and highlighted the dangers of asbestos exposure. -– 3. The Hidden Danger: Asbestos in Homes Prevalence: Found in one-third of Australian homes built before the 1990s. Common in walls, ceilings, flooring, roofing, adhesives, and electrical fittings. Ban Timeline: Complete ban on asbestos in Australia came into effect in December 2003. Health Risks: Asbestos fibers are harmless when undisturbed but lethal when airborne and inhaled. Diseases linked to exposure include: Mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) Lung cancer Asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue) Around 4,000 Australians die annually from asbestos-related illnesses. -– 4. Key Lessons 1. Awareness – Older homes often contain asbestos; homeowners must assume risk unless proven otherwise. 2. Professional Testing – Engage licensed asbestos assessors before beginning renovations. 3. Protective Equipment – If DIY work is unavoidable, proper PPE (respirators, gloves, protective clothing) must be used. 4. Licensed Removal – Disturbed asbestos should only be handled by certified removalists. 5. Public Education – Sharing personal stories, like this couple did, raises awareness and helps prevent others from making the same mistakes. -– 5. Recommendations For Homeowners: Always budget for asbestos inspections in renovation plans. Avoid disturbing walls, ceilings, and adhesives until materials are confirmed safe. For Government/Agencies: Expand awareness campaigns targeting younger renovators. Provide subsidized asbestos testing for first-home buyers. For Industry Professionals: Educate clients on hidden dangers during consultation. Encourage safe practices rather than DIY shortcuts. -– 6. Conclusion This couple’s ordeal serves as a critical reminder of the hidden dangers in home renovations. While the trend of renovating older properties is financially appealing, safety must always come first. Asbestos exposure can lead to life-threatening conditions years after initial contact, making awareness, testing, and professional removal essential steps in any renovation project. ---
**Author:** ![Lexi\_Carter1](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/lexi_carter1/32/2767_2.png) [@Lexi\_Carter1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Lexi_Carter1)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 1:48pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/2 "2025-08-21T13:48:58Z")
Asbestos is always a hidden danger,testing before renovating is a must for safety. ---
**Author:** ![Asher](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/asher/32/2057_2.png) [@Asher](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Asher)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 1:51pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/3 "2025-08-21T13:51:36Z")
i wiil definitely know how to be extra careful now ---
**Author:** ![Joyboy03j](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/joyboy03j/32/2900_2.png) [@Joyboy03j](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joyboy03j)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 2:33pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/4 "2025-08-21T14:33:21Z")
Keep up.the great work mate ---
**Author:** ![Bobby\_Michael](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/bobby_michael/32/2057_2.png) [@Bobby\_Michael](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Bobby_Michael)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 3:39pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/5 "2025-08-21T15:39:37Z")
Just just made me to know about things I didn’t know of before ---
**Author:** ![Bianca](https://home.renovation.reviews/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Bianca](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Bianca)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 3:41pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/6 "2025-08-21T15:41:32Z")
Thank you for sharing this ---
**Author:** ![Michelle\_Brown](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/michelle_brown/32/2325_2.png) [@Michelle\_Brown](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Michelle_Brown)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 6:33pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/7 "2025-08-21T18:33:18Z")
Thanks for sharing this insight ---
**Author:** ![ThomasWood](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/thomaswood/32/12461_2.png) [@ThomasWood](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/ThomasWood)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 11:46pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/8 "2025-08-21T23:46:34Z")
Nice articleThank you for sharing ---
**Author:** ![MichaelRobert](https://home.renovation.reviews/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@MichaelRobert](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/MichaelRobert)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2025, 12:19am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/hidden-dangers-in-home-renovations-the-asbestos-risk/21767/9 "2025-09-11T00:19:03Z")
This is a good renovation idea