Asbestos News

An internal report for the New South Wales' police force revealed that more than 200 police properties had asbestos issues but that no money was budgeted to address the problem.

According to the Sun-Herald, the department delayed critical asbestos work on 205 properties, including 63 that were determined to be high risk. It was estimated that the asbestos remediation work needed would cost $20 million but zero dollars were allocated.

The asbestos issues have prompted WorkCover, Australia's workplace safety organization, to begin an investigation of the state's police force.

"The safe management of asbestos is a serious matter for all workplaces in NSW," an agency spokesman told the news provider. "The investigation, once completed, will determine if any laws have been broken and if further action is taken."

According to the news source, it is unclear how many people have been affected by the asbestos hazards over the years but the Sun-Herald reported that more than 22,000 people were trained at a weapons facility with major asbestos issues.

Making sure that asbestos is properly managed and removed from properties is essential as exposure to the naturally occurring substance can cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.