Renovating a home can often be an exciting journey filled with the promise of a fresh start and the thrill of making a space truly your own. However, for one young Australian couple, their renovation dreams quickly turned into a cautionary tale that has left them, and many of their followers, on high alert.
Shai Howland, an influencer, and her partner were over the moon when they acquired what appeared to be an idyllic farmhouse nestled in the picturesque landscapes of South Australia. The property, brimming with potential, was to be the canvas for their creativity and hard work. But as they began peeling back the layers of their new home, they stumbled upon a discovery that alarmed them.
In a viral social media clip that has since captured the attention of homeowners and renovators alike, Howland shared the harrowing moment they found their walls were infested with asbestos. As of writing, the video reeled in over two million views.
‘And that’s on being non-diligent. Anxiety and a lot of asbestos Google searches later, we’ve learnt our lesson,’ Howland lamented in her post, a stark reminder of the importance of thorough inspections and safety precautions when undertaking renovations.
@shaihowland And thatsss on being non-diligent 🙃 anxiety and a lot of Asbestos google searches later we’ve learnt our lesson 🏠🔨🌾 #renovations #farmlife #farmrenovation #asbestos #awareness @Gordo ♬ original sound – Shaihowland
The response from the online community was swift and filled with concern. Commenters implored the couple to take immediate action, with one advising, ‘Don’t mess with asbestos. Get out immediately.’
Others stressed the importance of wearing appropriate clothing and protective equipment when dealing with potential hazards in home renovations.
‘As someone who removes asbestos, oh my,’ said one commenter.
‘I was exposed to asbestos last summer and got so sick,’ wrote another.
‘I’m an expert in this. There’s a guy that comes every year to my job (I’m a janitor) and they give us a very detailed description of this. It’s a very dangerous dust you could say, large or small,’ commented someone else.
‘I’m so sorry, get tested now and treat yourself [as soon as possible]. I’ve had two family members die from asbestos poisoning,’ shared a fourth person.
Meanwhile, others lightened up the atmosphere with their comments, saying they will be fine.
‘You’ll be fine [if you have] been exposed once or twice. The people who get sick have prolonged exposure over many years,’ claimed one commenter.
‘Girl, don’t worry. My mum removed the fake brick render stuff off our old house about 25 years ago because there [were] weatherboards underneath. She smashed it all up with a hammer and didn’t wear a mask. Turns out, it was asbestos. She’s alive still,’ commented someone else.
In the wake of the couple’s chilling discovery, Howland is hoping to use her platform to educate others about the risks of asbestos ‘as it seems a lot of people are completely unaware of what it is.’ Her experience serves as a stark reminder that the past can still pose a very real threat to the present, especially when it comes to older homes and buildings.
They are now committed to seeking professional asbestos testing and ensuring they have the proper protective gear for the rest of their renovation journey.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of fine, durable fibres invisible to the naked eye and was once a staple in Australian construction for its fire-resistant properties. Its use was widespread until the devastating health consequences became undeniable.
Linked to serious conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, asbestos was finally banned in Australia in December 2003. Despite the ban, the legacy of asbestos lingers, with more than 4,000 Australians still dying annually from diseases related to its exposure.
The health risks associated with asbestos are particularly insidious because symptoms can take decades to manifest, leaving individuals like Howland burdened with anxiety about the potential long-term effects.
‘Completely oblivious’ to the dangers lurking within their walls, the couple’s ordeal has underscored the need for greater awareness about the hidden perils of asbestos.
For our readers at YourLifeChoices, this story is a wake-up call to anyone considering renovations or even those who may have lived in older homes for years without realising the potential dangers hidden within their walls.
It’s crucial to have your home inspected by professionals if you suspect the presence of asbestos or before starting any renovation projects. The health risks are too significant to ignore, and the cost of proper testing pales in comparison to the price of one’s health.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with home renovations and asbestos. Have you encountered similar issues in your home improvement projects? How did you handle the discovery, and what advice would you give to others? Your insights could be invaluable to fellow readers navigating the complexities of home ownership and renovation.
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