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According to a BBC News article yesterday, in January 2024, an Australian child innocently brought home a couple of handfuls of garden mulch from near a child’s playground in Sydney, Australia.
Luckily the parent spotted this and recognised it as what looked like chunks of bonded asbestos. Not everyone would be able to recognise this possible silent killer, so it was extremely fortunate.
Their call to the authorities has since revealed a massive contamination crisis that has now spread across the city. Forcing the closure of many public parks, playgrounds and several schools. As of Monday 19th February, as many as 33 sites in Sydney and another in the town of Nowra have tested positive for the cancer-causing substance.
In addition to parks and schools, they include supermarkets, hospitals, housing estates and train stations.
New South Wales (NSW) officials now say there could be tainted woodchips at hundreds of locations. The state’s government and environmental watchdog have set up a taskforce to investigate this potentially massive scare within the area.
Thousands of children have been kept home from school and state officials are saying they are working as quickly as possible to identify the source as well as all locations of concern. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) earlier this month banned the mulch company from moving or selling the mulch from its facility in south-western Sydney, while the watchdog investigates. This firm has repeatedly denied it is the source of the contamination, and it has launched a legal challenge over the ban. They say their mulch has been tested repeatedly since the scare began, even by the EPA and all results have been negative.
Extended exposure to asbestos, which was once widely used in construction materials, can lead to a form of cancer called mesothelioma or the chronic lung disease asbestosis. Touching it, or just being in the environment, is typically not necessarily a risk for asbestos-related disease. Most of the asbestos found so far in these areas is “bonded”. Often with cement, which means it is less likely to break down and be inhaled. But one piece of the more concerning friable asbestos, which can be easily crushed into a powder, was found at a public park in one of the suburbs.
By law, suppliers must ensure mulch does not contain a range of contaminants like asbestos, engineered wood products, glass, metal or plastics. However, it currently does not impose any specific testing requirements. This is an ongoing case in and around Sydney, Australia.
Risk consultants specialising in asbestos management play a crucial role in preventing incidents like this. With our expertise in identifying, assessing and managing asbestos-related risk in various environments, we can ensure proper practices are carried out. By working closely with businesses and individuals, we can ensure compliance with regulations, proper training, and safe handling practices. PVES provide asbestos services to clients across the UK, conducting asbestos surveys, audits and training where required.
PV Environmental Surveys is a team of experienced asbestos consultants. We assist our clients in staying compliant with government regulations and provide safe working environments for their employees.
Asbestos can be present in any building constructed before the year 2000. The ‘duty to manage’ asbestos in non-domestic premises falls to those responsible for the property. As such, it is necessary to follow strict procedures before beginning any work that might disturb asbestos. If you suspect your property has asbestos-containing material please get in contact with our experienced professionals who will organise a survey. on 0845 226 5061 or email info@pves.co.uk.