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| DIY renovation show "The Renovators" needs to get serious about asbestos exposure. |
Do-it-yourself home renovation realities shows share many qualities with cooking shows. Both are designed to condense years of training and skill into a half hour of infotainment, making a hard job look easy. But the difference between trying to make Ina Garten's chocolate cake and renovate your own kitchen is that the latter can kill you.
It can kill you fast, with electrocution or a fall, or it can kill you slow, through asbestos exposure during the renovations which can eventually lead to mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases. In response to the popularity of DIY renovation shows like The Block and Ten's The Renovators, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) and Unions NSW say the shows should warn viewers about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
"These shows run on every network and enjoy a huge following, so they have a responsibility to outline the dangers of asbestos to millions of viewers," CEPU national secretary Peter Tighe said in a statement on August 5. Nine News quotes the CEPU and Unions NSW union leaders:
"There's no safe level of asbestos exposure and only a licensed contractor should go anywhere near it. There's a great opportunity for these shows to be on the side of safety by including regular warnings during their programs."
Unions NSW Secretary Mark Lennon added:
"The tragedy of asbestos-related illness has touched far too many families and these DIY home renovation shows need to ensure they're not unwittingly adding to the problem. ...These programs are wildly popular and present a tremendous opportunity to outline the potential danger of asbestos as part of any home renovation."
What do you think? Do DIY home repair shows encourage reckless disregard for asbestos abatement requirements and personal safety?
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