The Asbestos Disease Support Society (ADSS) is made up of people who have an asbestos related disease, their families, friends and carers as well as unions, asbestos industry representatives and related government departments. The Society also works closely with medical and legal professionals experienced in asbestos related diseases.
ADSS is here to assist anyone who is affected by an asbestos related disease – whether directly or indirectly. ADSS is able to provide information as well as moral and emotional support to sufferers, carers, family members and friends. We are also able to provide advice and the contact information to receive the best possible medical treatment and legal advice. Those affected by asbestos disease, or their dependents, may be eligible for compensation and/or a pension.
The Asbestos Disease Support Society and Silicosis Support Network are here to help
The Asbestos Disease Support Society and Silicosis Support Network continue to operate and provide assistance to those who have an asbestos related disease or other dust related lung disease, such as silicosis.
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is increasingly impacting Australian society, particularly vulnerable will be those who have underlying medical conditions, such as an ARD or silicosis. Many will take extra precautionary measures during these unprecedented times to protect themselves and their families from exposure to the coronavirus. Unfortunately, social separation potentially translates into a form of social isolation, resulting in loneliness, anxiety or depression.
In times like this, it’s essential we support one another and show compassion to those who need it. This is a shared experience that’s stressful for everyone and without a known timeframe.
Fortunately, positive social support can improve our resilience for coping with stress, so staff at the Society/SSN (including our qualified social workers and registered nurse) are all here to provide support and other assistance throughout these uncertain times.
We are here to help through the provision of social support, information, occupational therapy, loaning of medical aids (such as portable oxygenators) and more. Additionally, there is no cost associated with this support.
Please contact the Society if assistance is required.
IMPORTANT UPDATE
“Society successful in the reclassification of Low Density Asbestos Fibre Board”
The previous LNP government withdrew guidance advising Low Density Asbestos Fibre Board (LDB) be treated as friable and that a risk-based approach be adopted.
This policy shift was undertaken without consultation and in the Society’s view, with little or no concern for the potential health impacts.
The Society lobbied the Qld Government and has been successful in classifying LDB as a friable asbestos containing material. It has been a long process but the right decision has finally been made.
What is LDB?
LDB is a typically lightly compressed board which looks similar to asbestos cement sheeting or plasterboard but is different to asbestos cement (AC) sheeting because it can be easily bent in the hand or dented by soft pressure. It is softer than AC sheeting because calcium silicate plaster was used to bond the material instead of cement. The asbestos content of lightly compressed board can range up to 70 per cent. It was manufactured as a flat sheet product, although some perforated sheeting typically used for acoustic ceiling applications was also manufactured. Some product names include ‘Asbestolux’ and ‘Duralux’. As LDB is softer than AC sheeting, LDB can crumble more easily when disturbed, thereby releasing deadly asbestos fibres.
What does the reclassification mean?
As a “friable” material, LDB can only be removed by an ‘A’ class certificate holder and will provides for a higher standard of safety and management.
See below, Letter received from Minister Grace Grace↓↓
Listen to our ambassador Trevor Gillmeister talk about the dangers of asbestos
If you are thinking of renovating, Trevor has an important message that could save your life. Trevor also talks about how ADSS can help those who are suffering from an asbestos related disease, the support and services ADSS can provide to both sufferers and their families. Listen to it now.
