Covering asbestos in cracked ceilings 'not safe option'

3:17 pm on 11 January 2013

The Demolition and Asbestos Association says a policy of covering undisturbed asbestos in cracked ceilings is not a safe option.

As part of the Earthquake Commission's quake repair programme, contractors in Canterbury are encasing undisturbed asbestos in partially cracked ceilings rather than removing it.

Canterbury's Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey wants a register kept of buildings that have had the repair work done.

Association president Allan Edge said the health impacts far outweigh any costs and hopes that EQC will change its stance.