Asbestos News

Residents in North Ipswich, Australia, are being urged to stay in their home following a fire at an asbestos-containing structure, according to the Brisbane Times.

The Workshops Rail Museum caught fire and while the blaze itself doesn't pose any risks to residents, the smoke - which could potentially contain asbestos - could cause serious harm.

"There are no immediate threats to other properties, however police are concerned that the smoke could affect residents," police told the news source. "Police are urging residents to stay indoors and not breathe in smoke, as asbestos is believed to be in the building."

Fires in older buildings where asbestos is present can pose serious risks to people's safety. The flames can disturb the naturally occurring mineral fibers and cause them to become airborne. If these fibers are inhaled they can lead to a range of serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer that attacks the thin membrane that lines the chest, abdomen and many of the body's internal organs.

Six crews arrived on the scene to fight the blaze in the two-story building, reports the news source.