Asbestos Still a Major Concern in Australian Schools

Think the asbestos problem is going away anytime soon? Think again.

Unfortunately, this is not one environmental / health issue that’s going to be swept under the rug and forgotten about too easily. (even if all the companies involved eventually file for bankruptcy)

Bayside Bulletin of Australia reports:

Asbestos is present in more than half of Redland state schools, but parents have been reassured their children are safe.

Thirteen primary and secondary schools are known to have the dangerous fibre in the vicinity of children, with asbestos in places such as downpipes, gutters, sunhoods or walls.

Asbestos fibres breathed into the lungs can cause a range of health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma, a type of cancer which can develop decades after asbestos exposure.

Cleveland District State High School, Dunwich State School and Wellington Point State School have had asbestos roofs replaced recently, said a spokesman for Education Queensland.

At Capalaba State College last week, all students and staff were relocated after an asbestos scare.

Principal Kris Holm became concerned that rainwater may have disturbed material containing asbestos in a block.

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