Asbestos following an emergency event
Asbestos released in the air from fire or the destruction of buildings can be harmful to people's health. The hazard is from inhaling the fibres, not from swallowing or skin contamination.
Airborne asbestos fibres are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Even if you cannot see any dust particles in the air, asbestos fibres may still be present.
If you have difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing or chest pain after being in contact with smoke, asbestos, ash or other debris from the fire, please see your doctor or an after-hours health clinic. For health advice you can also call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.
Any buildings and structures built before 2000 may have asbestos in them. Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials, such as cladding, roofing, flooring, electrical components and insulation material.
When homes and other buildings containing asbestos are damaged, the asbestos-containing materials can become eroded, disturbed, broken or friable. This can cause a health risk to people living or working on the property, and the community.
When damaged asbestos-containing materials are wet, they are not as dangerous, but once dry they can cause a risk to health if fibres are released that can become airborne and be inhaled.
If you believe a damaged structure contains asbestos, contact a licensed asbestos assessor or licensed asbestos removalist before returning to the building. This includes possible asbestos on your property outside your house.
More information about asbestos
Learn about asbestos and your health, what to do if you think you have asbestos in your home, and how to deal with it.