With asbestos back in the spotlight, we thought we'd explore its home insurance implications.

Asbestos has unexpectedly reared its ugly head in Sydney, with parks around the city being fenced off due to the discovery of asbestos-contaminated mulch. This situation, while primarily a public safety issue, offers a timely opportunity to exploring how home insurance deals with asbestos in various contexts.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos, widely used in past construction for its excellent fire resistance and insulation qualities, is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. When these fibres become airborne—typically through wear or during building activities—they pose serious health risks, including severe respiratory diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, asbestos is still present in many homes, particularly those built or renovated before the late 1980s. The good news is that it’s relatively harmless if left undisturbed. But that also means you should avoid DIY renovations if you think your home is at risk. Identifying and managing asbestos should be left to professionals who are trained in safely handling and removing this substance. 

Does home insurance cover asbestos removal?

Typically, home insurance focuses on sudden, unforeseen damages. That means home insurance policies usually don't cover the costs for asbestos removal from a property unless it's part of a covered claim.

For example, if a fire damages part of your home and during repairs, asbestos is found and needs removal, your policy may cover it. However, the direct removal of asbestos, when it's the sole concern, isn't usually covered.

What happens if I’m exposed to asbestos in a public place?

Finding asbestos in outdoor mulch brings up a mix of issues. Being outside might seem less risky than indoor asbestos exposure during home projects. However, disturbing asbestos-laden mulch in parks could easily release fibres into the air.

This is typically a job for local councils and public health officials to handle, including cleanup and alerts to the public.

For people worried about being exposed in these public places, it's key to remember that home insurance usually won't cover this. If you're concerned about exposure, talking to a legal expert to understand any possible claims might be a necessary step.

What happens if my apartment complex uses mulch?

In a similar vein, if asbestos-contaminated mulch finds its way into your apartment complex, the responsibility for cleanup and any necessary remediation squarely falls on the property management or the owners' corporation.

If you suspect the mulch in your complex is contaminated with asbestos, it's important to notify building management immediately.

And again, this issue isn't something your home insurance will cover. If you've been exposed, you might need to look into legal advice or consider a claim for any health issues or damages caused.

Should I be worried?

Awareness and caution are always wise when it comes to asbestos. For most people, short-term exposure to asbestos from contaminated mulch in outdoor settings is less risky compared to long-term exposure in indoor environments. 

However, staying informed, avoiding disturbed areas identified as contaminated, and following public health advice are the best steps to mitigate any potential risk.

This situation in Sydney serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways asbestos can become a concern, highlighting the importance of understanding the scope of your home insurance policy and the measures to take for safety and peace of mind.