Dangers of Asbestos Threaten Aboriginal Community
It’s been almost a month since dangerous levels of asbestos was discovered at Wallaga Lake in the south coast of New South Wales, and yet little action has been taken to protect the health and safety of the Aboriginal community living there.
Barry Robson, president of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia, and Jenny Macklin, minister of the Federal Indigenous Affairs, are urging federal, state and local authorities to take precautionary measures and begin clean up efforts to prevent further exposure to the community.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure. Asbestos is linked with several serious diseases: mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. Asbestos is best known for its insulating and fire resistant qualities, and was commonly used in many building products and construction of houses.
It is suspected that some of the asbestos found at Wallaga Lake comes from houses built with asbestos containing products, and then demolished in the mid to late 90’s. People from the community who were involved in the demolition state that they were given no warnings, wore no protective gear and did not use respirators. It is believed that some of the asbestos that is in clear sight, and in damaged condition, are the remains of these houses.
Meetings have been held, different agencies have been visiting and conducting assessments, warning signs have been posted in known contaminated areas, and informational pamphlets have been distributed. Still under investigation are the identification of the source and type of asbestos and the extent of damage.
Concerns for the health and long term welfare of the community are being voiced, immediate action is being called for, and the Aboriginal Lands Council has applied to Department of Environment and Climate Change for $50,000 for help with the cost of clean-up.
