Asbestos News
Australian mall closed after asbestos scare
A shopping mall in Western Australia recently had an asbestos scare, forcing businesses to close.The roof at Donnybrook's main mall is made of asbestos and a suspension roof has been put in place to seal in the carcinogenic mineral, according to the Donnybrook Mail.
However, while a steel-clad roof was being installed on top of the asbestos roof, dust from the naturally occurring mineral apparently became disturbed and blew through ventilation ducts that had been installed.
"An event of wind made the dust pick up and dust came through those vents," Leigh Guthridge, Donnybrook-Balingup Shire’s development and environmental services manager, told the news source. "I had a look in the ceiling, and it was typical of the age of the building — a lot of dust accumulates."
Guthridge also said that the workers installing the steel roof were following proper asbestos-handling practices.
"The contractor undertaking the work has been briefed by WorkSafe personnel and is undertaking the works in accordance with procedures as directed by WorkSafe to minimize the potential for asbestos fibers being released from the roof during the works," he told the news provider.
Exposure to asbestos can cause malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis.
1/19/11
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