No precautions taken for 'asbestos'
My daughter and her three-year-old daughter had been renting a property in Calypta Rd, Umina, for the past four years.
My daughter exercised her rights to ask for a rent reduction while major renovations were taking place and instead was given a 90-day eviction notice.
The Gosford real estate agent had insisted it would be safe for my daughter and her child to stay there while the renovations were being done.
I arrived about 10am to paint the inside the house as the roof and eaves were being replaced.
There was a tradesman there who was a little chatty and mentioned dust but I didn't pay much attention as it was quite hot and windy.
As I walked around the house, I noticed all the broken blue fibro that was scattered everywhere, which I now believe to be asbestos.
My brother who has worked in the building industry for 30 years picked up a small piece.
I asked what he was doing with it and he replied: "I think its asbestos".
I didn't think it could be with it lying around so carelessly as the agent had told me I had to have the painting done inside the house by 5pm on the Thursday afternoon.
It was so hot I had to open the windows in the house for ventilation from the paint fumes and by 4:30pm I was feeling sick and had a rash going up both arms and my face was red like sunburn.
I rang the real estate and asked could I bring the keys in the next day.
All night it kept going through my mind.
The next morning I rang the real estate to warn them that they shouldn't send anyone out there until they knew for sure if it was indeed the deadly killer.
I had volunteered to do some painting, not realising what it may cost me.
There were no safety precautions taken, no safety wear or ventilation mask, no safety gloves and no warning to anyone who entered the property.
While I was there, another carpet layer came to measure up.
Asbestos is tiny fibres that can be airborne for lengthy periods of time, especially on windy days and can travel quite a distance when not packed or disposed of properly, leaving not just one house at risk but an entire community.
Online submission, 3 Nov 2012
Genevieve Rose, Potato Point