Asbestos was a popular material in the construction industry in New Zealand up until the 1980s. Due to its durability and fire resistance, it was used in building materials, insulation, and other products, including concrete blocks. 

As news of the associated health risks of asbestos began to spread, a complete ban on its importation, manufacturing, sale, and use was implemented by the late 1990s. However, asbestos remains present in many older buildings, often in concrete blocks. 

In this blog, we will discuss the presence of asbestos in concrete blocks and the detrimental health risks that builders and homeowners should be aware of today. Read on to discover how to test for asbestos on your site before renovating or demolition works begin and how Consultex Environmental can help. Let’s begin. 

The Hazards of Asbestos 

Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, was the main type of asbestos used in concrete blocks. 

Builders and construction workers mixed asbestos into the concrete as a reinforcing material to prevent it from breaking or cracking. Asbestos in concrete blocks also provided thermal insulation, which was used in buildings to regulate temperature.

Unfortunately, these buildings were never safely demolished or tested for asbestos. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are now a hazard in older buildings and pose a significant health risk for those exposed to them.  

The long-term health risks of continued inhalation are fatal in some cases and include diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. It is crucial that homeowners and builders know how to safely handle the presence of asbestos in older homes before starting any renovation or demolition work. Once these ACMs are disturbed or moved, they release more harmful fibres, which can be inhaled. These fibres aren’t visible to the human eye, so testing for asbestos is very important. 

Detecting Asbestos in Concrete Blocks 

Never inspect or try to remove asbestos from concrete blocks yourself. Instead, work with the asbestos testing professionals at Consultex Environmental to test for ACMs on your property. Testing is key to confirming whether asbestos is present at your site, identifying the amount present, and approaching management of its removal safely.  

Asbestos Refurbishment Survey

An asbestos refurbishment survey must be conducted before renovation or demolition work can continue to ensure all health, safety, and legal compliance regulations are followed. This survey is required by law before any renovation, demolition, or refurbishment works can commence. 

At Consultex, our team is highly experienced and trained to provide asbestos surveys throughout New Zealand. We use advanced equipment and software to carry out high-quality asbestos audits for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. No matter the size of your project, you must obtain an asbestos refurbishment survey to confirm and identify the presence of ACMs in your property, including in the walls, floors, ceilings, and any asbestos in concrete blocks. 

Any ACMs on your property are collected using air, bulk, and soil sampling methods. The samples are then analysed by an IANZ-accredited laboratory, and the results are included in the survey reports. The survey is a key factor that indicates in detail what areas asbestos is present, including the type of asbestos, its condition, and the type of risk it poses to property owners, inhabitants and builders. This information determines how the asbestos will be managed and removed. 

Our team can then help you plan towards a cost-effective process for safe asbestos removal. 

Asbestos Clearances 

An asbestos clearance is required to confirm that the asbestos removal work was successfully carried out. The removal work can be divided into two classes: A and B. Both require asbestos clearances and certificates after completion. 

Class A refers to friable asbestos, which means the ACMs can easily crumble or crush into a powder if moved or disturbed. Class B refers to non-friable asbestos removal work, which means the fibres have bonded into another material, such as cement. Any contractor in New Zealand carrying out asbestos removal work must hold a relevant WorkSafe asbestos licence.

Our team can review your contractor’s asbestos removal control plan and oversee the removal works. If necessary, the WorkSafe Licensed asbestos assessor might also conduct air monitoring and surface sampling to confirm that the contamination levels have not been exceeded. Then, they will issue an asbestos clearance certificate to confirm that the site no longer contains harmful ACMs and is safe to work or live in.  

Contact Consultex Today 

Planning on completing renovations or demolition on your older property? Contact our team today to safely test for asbestos on your site, including asbestos in concrete blocks. We can provide you with a free consultation and quote to get started. Let us safeguard your property and safely handle your asbestos.