Asbestos News

Sheets of asbestos have reportedly been discovered strewn across public land in Staffordshire, England, delaying the process of transferring ownership of the land, according to the Burton Mail.

The news source reports the East Staffordshire Borough Council currently owns the land, but is working to transfer ownership to the Anglesey Parish Council. As a result of the asbestos find, a number of local residents have expressed concerns about their health and the potential cost of cleaning the site.

However, a spokesman with the East Staffordshire Borough Council told the news source that the issue was being handled properly, with the site being fully investigated.

"The council has received reports from Anglesey Parish Council that there is asbestos in and around the allotments and our health and safety team will be investigating in due course," the spokesman said. "If the materials are found to be asbestos, we have qualified contractors on stand by for removal if necessary."

Handling and removing asbestos safely is critical as exposure to the carcinogenic substance can lead to the development of lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that attacks the tissues surrounding many of the body's inner organs.