Time for DIY revnovation shows to take obligations seriously

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Tasmanian Senator Lisa Singh has called on renovation television programs to take their social responsibility seriously and highlight the dangers of asbestos.

Senator Singh used her address to the Senate during Matters of Public Interest today to highlight the importance of clear messaging about the dangers of asbestos being included in renovation-related television shows.

"Dealing with asbestos should not be kept behind the scenes or off-air," Senator Singh said.

"Asbestos remains a silent killer and exposure during home renovations can result in a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

"Educating the community about the dangers of this carcinogen is so important."

Senator Singh said that the community was increasingly inspired to undertake DIY home renovations by shows such as The Block, The Renovators and Backyard Blitz.

"Come the weekend, many Australians head to their local hardware store, purchase a few tools and then proceed to take a sledgehammer to the walls of their house. We cannot let DIY renovators think renovating is as simple as this," Senator Singh said.

"Asbestos is extremely prevalent in Australia and if handled or removed incorrectly, the risk of being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease 20 to 40 years later is very real.

"These shows have an obligation to tell people that asbestos can be found in fibro sheeting, water, drain and flue pipes, in roofing shingles and guttering, to name a few."

Up to 700 Australians are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year.

Australia has experienced two waves of asbestos-related disease. The first wave is associated with the mining of asbestos and manufacturing of asbestos products and the second wave from asbestos use in industry, mostly construction.

But asbestos-related diseases are not limited to the thousands of workers who were exposed before the carcinogenic nature of this substance was known.

"There is now a third wave due to DIY renovators who were simply unaware of the dangers of this substance," Senator Singh said.

"No one wants to see a spike in the diagnosis of asbestos-related disease in 20+ years and have it attributed to the craze of DIY home renovation.

"Especially not when a simple warning message along the bottom of the screen is one way to highlight the community of the potential risk they face.

"Having the host highlight the dangers associated with asbestos is an important step and showing competitors finding asbestos, and documenting them taking the correct actions is another.

"Ignoring the presence of asbestos is simply not an option and today I have written to Channels 9, 10 and 7 asking them to act.

"These shows have a captive audience, and high ratings, so why not be a good corporate citizen and do the right thing?"