An Aussie influencer has paused renovations on her dream farmhouse after discovering the wallpaper was riddled with asbestos.
Adelaide woman Shai Howland said she had ‘learned her lesson’ about she failed to check for the cancer-causing substance during her DIY renovations.
Ms Howland shared a TikTok clip of her and her partner wrenching wallpaper away from the walls with the caption: ‘The moment we discovered there is asbestos in the wallpaper we just took down’.
The disability support worker said she felt ‘instant anxiety’ after her partner returned having read about the dangers of asbestos online.
‘And that’s on being non-diligent… anxiety and a lot of asbestos Google searches later we’ve learnt our lesson,’ she wrote.
‘Definitely going to be looking into asbestos testing and all the right protection now.’
In the clip, Ms Howland’s partner could be heard telling her asbestos can be found in older houses in the wallpaper.
She then pulled back from the exposed wall, exclaiming: ‘Babe, what the f***’.
Influencer Ms Howland (above with partner Nathan) said she learned her renovations ‘lesson’ after she realised there was asbestos in the wallpaper
It’s estimated one-third of Australian homes contain the carcinogen, according to the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.
Homes built before 1990 are likely to have been built with materials that contain asbestos, which is most commonly found kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners worried about the presence of asbestos can test a sample from their home or get it removed at a cost of between $40 and $160 per square metre.
Aussies were quick to offer the couple their own safety advice.
‘Maybe put on shoes and gloves and actual clothes when doing house renovations,’ one person said.
‘Omg guys, that’s such an expensive removal, be careful,’ a second wrote.
‘Having someone come [test the materials] is your best bet, your house could be full of it. Don’t remove anything else without a mask and proper protection, long sleeves, gloves, etc,’ a third shared.
Asbestos was widely used in construction materials for its strength, flexibility and resistance to fire and chemicals.
‘Babe what the f***,’ Ms Howland is heard yelling after h
The naturally occurring mineral fibre is also known for its insulating properties.
When asbestos is disturbed tiny fibres can become airborne and become trapped in the lungs for a long time.
Exposure to asbestos is linked to mesothelioma, lung, laryngeal and ovarian cancers.
