Even owning your own home can be a worry
Editorial Department • Published 1 Dec 2011 13:00
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Living in your own home could be a hazard these days, as one Enniskillen householder found out this month. While carrying out repairs and refurbishment in her former Housing Executive home, the woman was told by her contractor that some of the material was asbestos which had been cut and ripped out to make way for a new kitchen.
For a young person who had acquired her own home from the Executive, getting onto the property ladder, the experience has frightened her as well as many of her neighbours who live in similar type homes where work has already been done and they were totally unaware of the problem.
As the Health and Safety Executive and other agencies point out, asbestos containing material poses no harm to human health if left well alone and even a one-off exposure to asbestos although not desirable did not increase the risk of contracting an asbestos related disease.
But the protocol for those carrying out work where asbestos might be disturbed is to use a licensed asbestos removal contractor to prevent any further exposure to asbestos fibres.
However one of the main agencies involved, the Housing Executive points out it is not unusual for find asbestos containing materials in homes and other buildings such as in roofs and floor tiles, for example, and pointed out to the householder that they were not responsible for houses bought by tenants or subsequently sold on.
This might be cold comfort for householders who have to confront the problem every time they decide to upgrade their homes.
Surely there must be one agency who can deal with all the issues concerning asbestos, point out householders' rights and advise on the next course of action.
Not only does employing specialist contractors to carry out the work cost a lot of money but the experience also causes a lot of worry and anxiety.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 01 Dec 11
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