Asbestos News

A Canberra, Australia couple has reportedly fled their home and could be in danger of developing asbestos-related diseases after tests confirmed that the carcinogenic substance was found in dust covering portions of their rented home.

According to the Canberra Times, cinematographer Michael O'Rourke and his girlfriend Janet Lyell-Martin will need to undergo medical tests.

While such medical tests can be critical, the symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma often do not manifest themselves until years after initial exposure.

O'Rourke told the news source that the couple had lived in the house for five years, meaning many of their possessions are likely covered in asbestos dust as well.

"I've been a tenant here for five years, so there's a lot of stuff - furniture and so on - we're going to lose, because it's got to be destroyed," O'Rourke explained. "The couches, all of our clothes... I'm also worried about my camera bags and computers. If there's dust in them, we've been told we'll have to get rid of them."

According to the Times, more than 500 Australians die from malignant mesothelioma each year.