Asbestos remains present in many older homes throughout Auckland. Although often hidden inside walls, ceilings, or floors, this material can release tiny fibres into the air when disturbed. Breathing in these fibres over a long period can lead to serious health issues, which might not appear until years after exposure.
Understanding the risks associated with asbestos is essential for homeowners, landlords, and builders working in Auckland. This blog outlines seven important reasons why having asbestos safely removed protects your health and helps avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor.
One of the most immediate benefits of asbestos removal is a reduction in respiratory issues. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they irritate the delicate tissues in the lungs and airways. This can lead to symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tight sensation in the chest.
Many people with undiagnosed asbestos exposure may confuse these symptoms with asthma, bronchitis, or allergies. This often results in repeated visits to the doctor and ongoing treatment for symptoms that could have been avoided.
By removing asbestos safely, the source of irritation is eliminated. Residents often notice an improvement in breathing and fewer episodes of respiratory distress. This translates into less reliance on medication and fewer medical appointments related to lung problems.
Furthermore, asbestos exposure can exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Removing asbestos can help stabilise these conditions and reduce flare-ups, improving quality of life.
Asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems over time. When fibres are breathed in, they can stay in the lungs and slowly cause harm. This can lead to illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, which may only appear many years later.
Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive form of cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure. It affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity and has a poor prognosis. Asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, causes scarring of lung tissue that leads to breathing difficulties and reduced lung function.
Avoiding exposure by having asbestos professionally removed significantly decreases the likelihood of developing these conditions. Early removal is especially crucial for those living in older homes or working in environments where asbestos-containing materials may still exist.
By acting now, you protect your lungs and long-term health. Prevention is far better than attempting to manage these life-threatening diseases later.
Some groups, like children and older people, are more at risk from asbestos exposure. Children’s lungs are still growing, so they can be more easily harmed by breathing in asbestos fibres. Being exposed at a young age also increases the chance of getting asbestos-related diseases later in life.
Similarly, elderly people often have weakened immune systems and pre-existing health conditions that make it harder to recover from respiratory damage. For them, even brief exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can lead to significant health issues.
Homes with asbestos-containing materials can release fibres during everyday activities such as cleaning, repairs, or simple wear and tear. Children playing indoors or elderly residents spending most of their time at home may unknowingly inhale these fibres regularly.
Safe removal of asbestos materials creates a safer environment for all family members. Protecting those with the most vulnerable lungs and immune systems is a critical step in maintaining household health.
Indoor air quality is essential for overall health. Airborne asbestos fibres contribute to poor air quality and can trigger symptoms including headaches, sore throats, coughing, and allergy-like reactions. Many residents in homes containing asbestos report feeling unwell or fatigued without an obvious cause.
Professional asbestos removal eliminates these fibres at the source. The process includes thorough cleaning and air testing to ensure that the space is free from hazardous dust. This leads to a noticeable improvement in the air you breathe daily.
Better indoor air quality supports respiratory health, reduces minor health complaints, and lowers the risk of developing chronic respiratory conditions. It also creates a more comfortable living or working environment, which benefits everyone’s well-being.
Renovating an older home can be exciting, but it’s important to be careful if asbestos is present. If you disturb walls, ceilings, or floors that contain asbestos, dangerous fibres can be released into the air. This can happen quickly and put everyone in the house at risk.
Discovering asbestos during renovations often leads to delays and increased costs, as specialist removal must be arranged before work can continue. Attempting to remove asbestos without professional help is dangerous and illegal in many cases.
Having asbestos removed prior to starting renovations removes this risk entirely. It ensures the safety of contractors, homeowners, and neighbours. Knowing asbestos has been safely dealt with also prevents costly interruptions and legal issues.
This proactive approach allows you to carry out building work with confidence, focusing on improvements rather than health hazards.
Many commercial properties and workplaces in Auckland contain asbestos. Offices, warehouses, and older industrial sites may harbour asbestos materials that pose risks to employees.
Workers exposed to airborne asbestos fibres can develop respiratory illnesses that lead to sick leave, reduced productivity, and long-term health problems. Employers are legally required to maintain a safe working environment and manage asbestos risks carefully.
Professional asbestos removal in commercial settings not only protects employee health but also ensures compliance with workplace health and safety regulations. Removing asbestos reduces legal liabilities and fosters a healthier, more secure workplace culture.
Investing in asbestos removal shows a commitment to employee well-being. This can lift staff morale, reduce sickness absence, and improve overall business performance.
Living or working in a building with asbestos can make people feel worried and stressed. Since asbestos fibres cannot be seen, people often worry about their own health and the health of their family, even if there are no obvious dangers.
This stress can negatively impact mental health and overall well-being, affecting sleep, concentration, and quality of life. Worrying about potential exposure takes an emotional toll that adds to physical health risks.
Safe asbestos removal brings peace of mind by removing the threat entirely. Knowing your home or workplace is free from asbestos reduces daily anxiety and supports mental and physical health.
When health risks are eliminated, you can focus on everyday life and enjoy your environment with confidence and calm.
Removing asbestos from Auckland homes and workplaces is an important step in protecting respiratory health. It reduces the risk of breathing problems and serious lung diseases while improving indoor air quality. Children, elderly people, and workers all benefit from a safer environment.
Certified asbestos contractors like Union Demolition safely remove asbestos according to strict safety rules. Hiring experts means the asbestos is handled and thrown away the right way. This helps you avoid health problems and fewer trips to the doctor in the future.
If you think there is asbestos in your home, getting it checked and removed by professionals is a smart choice. It helps keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.
© 2025 • Address: 23 Pukemiro Street, Onehunga, Auckland 1061 • Phone: 022 471 7355
