Toxic Asbestos

The History of Asbestos Use in New Zealand and its impact.

Asbestos, once hailed for its versatility and strength, became a common building material in New Zealand throughout much of the 20th century. However, the dangerous health effects of asbestos exposure have made it a serious concern for homeowners, landlords, and anyone managing older properties. The presence of asbestos can pose significant health risks and financial liabilities, making professional sampling and testing essential for safeguarding your investment.

At Toxin Free, we specialize in asbestos testing and offer services that ensure your property is safe and free from this dangerous material.

A Brief History of Asbestos in New Zealand

Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand from the 1930s to the mid-1980s, particularly in the construction industry. It became a popular material due to its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. Asbestos was commonly found in roofing materials, ceiling and wall linings, pipes, floor tiles, and insulation. Many homes, schools, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities were built using asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

However, by the 1980s, the health risks of asbestos were becoming well-known globally. Inhalation of asbestos fibers was linked to serious diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases often have long latency periods, meaning symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.

In New Zealand, asbestos use in construction materials was gradually phased out, and by the early 2000s, strict regulations were in place to limit the handling and disposal of asbestos. Despite these regulations, many older buildings across the country still contain ACMs, making asbestos testing crucial for property owners.

The Dangers of Asbestos in Homes and Properties

Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and are only dangerous when disturbed. When ACMs become damaged, either through renovation, demolition, or natural wear and tear, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Once airborne, these fibers can be easily inhaled and pose a serious health threat.

For homeowners, landlords, property managers, and builders, this creates significant challenges:

1. Health Hazards:
   Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to fatal diseases. People who work or live in environments where asbestos is present are at risk, especially when materials deteriorate or are disturbed.
2. Financial Liabilities:
   Discovering asbestos in a property can lead to significant costs, including the need for professional removal (asbestos abatement), decontamination, and repairs. Property owners may also face legal liabilities if tenants or workers become exposed to asbestos.
3. Impact on Property Value:
   Homes and commercial properties with asbestos issues can experience a drop in value. Buyers may hesitate to purchase a property that could require costly asbestos removal or pose long-term health risks.
4. Legal Compliance:
   New Zealand has strict regulations regarding the handling and disposal of asbestos. Property owners are required to comply with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, which outline responsibilities for identifying and managing asbestos in buildings. Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal action, and increased liabilities.

How Toxin Free Can Help Protect Your Property from Asbestos

At Toxin Free NZ, we specialize in non-friable asbestos sampling to help identify potential hazards in your property. Our goal is to provide property owners, landlords, and managers with accurate and reliable testing results to ensure your building is safe, compliant with regulations, and free from harmful asbestos materials.

How We Can Help:

1. Non-Friable Asbestos Sampling
   Our team is trained to safely collect bulk samples from non-friable materials such as vinyl flooring, roofing, or wall linings. These materials are less likely to release dangerous asbestos fibers during collection. All samples are sent to accredited laboratories for precise analysis, identifying the presence and type of asbestos.
2. 100% Independent Testing
   We maintain full independence by focusing solely on testing. This means we do not perform remediation work or receive any compensation from remediation companies. Our unbiased approach ensures that you receive objective results and recommendations, giving you complete confidence in the process.
3. Guidance for Next Steps
   If asbestos is detected, we’ll provide you with a list of trusted and licensed remediation professionals to address the issue. By working with independent testing and expert remediation, you minimize risks and ensure high-quality outcomes.
4. Post-Remediation Retesting
   Once the remediation work is complete, we offer retesting to confirm that the asbestos has been fully and properly removed. This crucial step provides peace of mind and verifies that the environment is safe and compliant before moving forward.

Choosing Toxin Free NZ means you’re choosing transparency, expertise, and a commitment to your safety. Contact us today to schedule your asbestos sampling or learn more about how we can help.

3. Protect Your Health and Investment

Regular asbestos testing helps protect your health and your property’s value. By identifying asbestos early, you can take necessary steps to prevent health risks for occupants and workers. Proactive testing also helps protect your investment by avoiding costly future liabilities and ensuring that your property remains compliant with New Zealand’s asbestos regulations.

4. Fast and Reliable Service

At Toxin Free, we understand the urgency of asbestos testing, especially for homeowners planning renovations or property managers between tenants. We offer prompt service to minimize delays, ensuring you have results as soon as possible. Our goal is to provide fast, reliable testing without compromising on accuracy.

5. Safeguard Your Reputation

For landlords, property managers, and real estate agents, ensuring a safe living or working environment is essential for maintaining a strong reputation. By engaging Toxin Free for asbestos testing, you demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, which can build trust with tenants and clients. For real estate transactions, having a certified asbestos report can also provide transparency and reassurance to potential buyers.

Why Choose Toxin Free?

• Experienced Professionals: Our team has the expertise to identify asbestos hazards and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Lab-Certified Results: All samples are analysed by accredited laboratories, ensuring the highest level of accuracy.
• Full Compliance: We ensure that all testing complies with New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, providing peace of mind for property owners and managers.
• Local Knowledge: As a company focused on the South Island, we understand the specific challenges faced by property owners in this region.

Call Toxin Free Today for Asbestos Testing

Don’t let hidden asbestos risks threaten your health or your property’s value. At Toxin Free, we are committed to helping homeowners, landlords, and property managers ensure their buildings are safe, healthy, and compliant. Our professional asbestos testing services provide you with the confidence you need to move forward with renovations, sales, or ongoing management.

Contact us today to schedule an asbestos inspection and protect your investment from the dangers of asbestos contamination. With Toxin Free, you can rest assured knowing your property is in expert hands.