Cantabrians warned to watch for asbestos

8:17 pm on 15 September 2010

Cantabrians clearing up their earthquake-damaged homes are being warned to beware of asbestos.

The region's chief medical officer of health, Alistair Humphrey, says it is likely there is asbestos in ceilings and roofs of houses built before 1980.

Dr Humphrey says some of the chimneys that have come down were made from asbestos.

He is warning people with homes built before 1980 to wear a mask when inspecting damage and seek professional help before attempting to repair it.