Two residential homes have been contaminated with asbestos after contractors installed damaged asbestos-containing materials during repairs on the properties, exposing workers and homeowners to the toxic particles, NT WorkSafe says.

The first incident occurred when a contractor and two workers inadvertently used power tools on an internal wall containing asbestos at an Alice Springs home.

Samples obtained from dust generated from the repair work tested positive for asbestos, which WorkSafe said had exposed the contractor, the two workers from another contractor and the homeowners.

A second incident, potentially exposed at least six workers from two different contractors, and the homeowner to asbestos.

In that incident, workers doing renovation work at a Darwin property drilled into a concrete ceiling which had a vermiculite coating—a spray-on textured ceiling finish that contains asbestos.

Individuals involved in the two incidents who were exposed to asbestos and have been advised to register on the National Asbestos Exposure Register.

NT WorkSafe said asbestos, typically found in over 3,000 products which were used for renovation and construction of private and commercial properties before the 1990s posed health risks.

Businesses involved in construction or property maintenance are advised to check for asbestos on commercial products such as insulation, fireproofing materials, and wallboard materials being used on properties.

Asbestos irritates and scars lung tissue, causing the lungs to stiffen, and making it difficult to breathe. Long-time exposure to asbestos worsens the scarring which prevents the lungs from contracting and expanding normally.

NT WorkSafe said while asbestos-containing material in good condition does not pose a risk if left undisturbed, the agency recommended any professional or DIY renovators to call in experts at the start of the project to ensure they don’t disturb asbestos.

“Asbestos causes cancer, so it’s not recommended that you handle, remove, or dispose of asbestos yourself,” said Work Health and Safety Assurance manager Rob Fereday.

“Work with a licensed asbestos removalist as they have the training and equipment needed for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos.

“The safe disposal of asbestos is extremely important so that the health of council workers and members of the community are not put at risk.”

For further information, businesses can visit the Asbestos safety for trades and construction workers – Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency website.

For private and commercial properties built before the 1990s, contractors may use online resources such as the “know where asbestos is” government website.