Asbestos News

The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA) is warning residents returning to towns impacted by a cyclone to be aware of potentially loosened asbestos.

Cyclone Yasi battered the northern part of the Australian state of Queensland recently, destroying many homes and businesses, according to the Australian. At least one person, a 23-year-old man, was killed in the category 5 storm.

However, even as the cyclone weakens it can still pose a danger to Australians as asbestos in buildings that were damaged by the storm may have become disturbed. If this airborne asbestos is inhaled by anyone in the area it can potentially cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

"Heartbroken families sifting through the remains of their houses searching for valuables may unwittingly expose themselves to asbestos contamination," ADFA President Barry Robson told News.com.au. "When products containing asbestos are broken or disturbed, the asbestos becomes 'friable' and if particles are inhaled, then the disaster that has befallen so many Queensland families can be compounded."

The World Health Organization estimates that asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of 107,000 people each year worldwide.Group warns Australians of asbestos disturbed by cyclone

The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA) is warning residents returning to towns impacted by a cyclone to be aware of potentially loosened asbestos.

Cyclone Yasi battered the northern part of the Australian state of Queensland recently, destroying many homes and businesses, according to the Australian. At least one person, a 23-year-old man, was killed in the category 5 storm.

However, even as the cyclone weakens it can still pose a danger to Australians as asbestos in buildings that were damaged by the storm may have become disturbed. If this airborne asbestos is inhaled by anyone in the area it can potentially cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

"Heartbroken families sifting through the remains of their houses searching for valuables may unwittingly expose themselves to asbestos contamination," ADFA President Barry Robson told News.com.au. "When products containing asbestos are broken or disturbed, the asbestos becomes 'friable' and if particles are inhaled, then the disaster that has befallen so many Queensland families can be compounded."

The World Health Organization estimates that asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of 107,000 people each year worldwide.