Asbestos News
Australia house explosion causes asbestos concerns
A house explosion in the Australian state of South Australia has caused some residents to raise concern over potential asbestos contamination.According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the house exploded in Adelaide and not only caused damage to surrounding homes but also may have released asbestos fibers into the atmosphere.
Witnesses told authorities that a man staggered from the destroyed home and drove off. He was later apprehended and remains in custody.
Such an event at an older house presents serious health risks long after the initial explosion. Many older structures were built using asbestos as the naturally occurring substance was once widely used as an insulator and flame retardant. However, it has been proven for nearly 50 years that exposure to asbestos can cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
A neighbor of the exploded house told the newspaper that she will have to leave the area for a number of months so her house can be repaired and the asbestos can be properly handled.
"They're getting people in to check through all the house to make sure there's no asbestos in the house," she said.
10/24/11
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