Asbestos News

Flash flooding in certain parts of Australia has damaged houses, and now as residents return to their homes they are being warned that asbestos fibers may have been disturbed by the water, reports the Berwick Leader.

Residents and business owners in the City of Casey in the Australian state of Victoria are being cautioned about the dangers posed by asbestos, which include the development of such serious illnesses as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

"In general, asbestos in building material isn't risky unless the material is damaged or deteriorated – which could occur during flooding or clean-up activities," Caroline Bell, the city's manager of community safety, told the news source.

Asbestos was used in the construction industry for many years because of its utility as an insulator and flame retardant properties. However, by the mid-1960s it was known that exposure to the naturally occurring mineral could cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Due to these serious dangers, those with flood-damaged properties should take precautions such as wearing protective equipment and not breaking asbestos if forced to handle the material.