Asbestos is a highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and was used in the commercial, industrial and residential construction sectors of New Zealand from the late 1930s. The use of asbestos in building products gave them a higher heat resistance and tensile strength. 

However, Asbestos is a major health risk as it is an IARC Group 1 Carcinogen and known to cause diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma when airborne fibres are inhaled into the lungs.

In New Zealand, the most common forms of asbestos are Chrysotile (White), Amosite (Brown) and Crocidolite (Blue). Blue and brown asbestos in their raw form weren't illegal to import into New Zealand until 1984 and so buildings built up to this time are likely to contain asbestos containing materials.

Due to the dangerous nature of asbestos any work involving asbestos containing or contaminated materials are strictly regulated by WorkSafe New Zealand in the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) 2016 Regulations.

At Pace Solutions are a WorkSafe approved Class A licensed asbestos removal company capable of handling any type or quantity of asbestos or asbestos-containing material.

Other FAQ's

+ WHERE CAN ASBESTOS BE FOUND?

Asbestos can be found in a wide variety of building products.

Buildings built, altered or refurbished from 1940 until the mid-1980s are likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACM).

Buildings built after 1 January 2000 are less likely to contain ACMs, but may still contain ACMs.

A few common products include:

  • Corrugated cement roof cladding (Super Six)
  • Asbestos cement roofing tiles
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Lino
  • Cement sheeting (House cladding and soffits)
  • Textured ceiling
  • Spray on insulation
  • Paper backing to vinyl flooring
  • Resin boards for fuses and electrical switchboards
  • Baseboards to housing

To see some of the buildings we've removed asbestos from check out our project page.

+ HOW DANGEROUS IS ASBESTOS?

Breathing in airborne asbestos fibres is a serious risk to health. Once the fibres are breathed in, they lodge in the lungs and may cause diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Based on studies so far, asbestos is not harmful to unborn children

Most asbestos-related diseases take around 20 years before their symptoms start to show.

The health risks increase when:

  • People inhale more fibres
  • Exposure is more frequent
  • Exposure occurs over a long period of time

+ WHAT IF I SUSPECT ASBESTOS IS IN MY HOME/PROPERTY?

If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home or commercial property it is important not to disturb the material as it may become airborne.

There are a number of consultants and laboratories that can sample the material and have it tested for asbestos and to determine if it is friable or non-friable.

Should the material be asbestos containing or contaminated contact us and we can help you to determine the next steps (i.e. whether it needs to be removed or not).

+ WHAT IF CONFIRMED ASBESTOS MATERIAL IS FOUND IN MY HOME/PROPERTY?

In some situations it is safer to encapsulate asbestos products instead of removing them, this is because removing the asbestos may disturb the fibres and result in them becoming airborne. We can determine the most practical and safe options for either removal or encapsulation.

Our team are specialists in asbestos remediation from simple asbestos fence removal to the complete removal of asbestos from commercial lift shafts. No matter the scale of the job, we can help you find the best solution.

+ HOW MUCH DOES ASBESTOS REMEDIATION COST?

The price for asbestos remediation varies according to the following factors;

  • Quantity/volume of material
  • Encapsulation or removal
  • Asbestos product (tiles, sheeting, etc)
  • Type of asbestos (friable/non friable)