Asbestos News
Smoke from Australian factory fire spreads asbestos fears
A fire at a factory in an Australian city has prompted officials to warn residents to stay inside due to the potential threat of asbestos.The Boomerang Tape facility in Melbourne was built using asbestos, which was once utilized as a flame retardant and insulator. When the building caught fire, there were fears that the smoke that spread throughout the area carried the deadly mineral fibers, prompting the instruction to residents to stay inside.
"The building contains asbestos. Decontamination is being managed by the MFB and [is] confined to the site," a Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokesman told the Sydney Morning Herald, adding that there was no immediate threat to people in the area.
Fire can be very dangerous in asbestos-containing buildings. The smoke can contain asbestos mineral fibers, which, if inhaled, can cause a number of serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
According to the news provider, approximately 75 firefighters were on hand to battle the blaze at the plant, which reportedly manufactures paper and tape, among other items.
There have been no reports of injuries due to the blaze.
11/3/11
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