Although residents of Tasmania may be keen to check what remains after the 2013 bush fire catastrophe for some this may not be possible. As Australia knows from previous bushfire incidents in Victoria, the worst is not always over after the fires stop burning.

One major health concern these bushfires leave behind is exposure to asbestos fibres, this health risk could keep Tasmanian residents away from there homes or what is left of them for weeks. This is because even minimal exposure to asbestos can cause serious asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma.

Efforts have already begun in Tasmania to resolve the asbestos risks with Workplace Standards starting to formulate a clean up plan and the Department of Health and Human Services working on providing protective clothing to residents so they can visit their homes.

If not dealt with correctly this incident could contribute to Australia’s already existing battle with asbestos related illnesses. As a response to this battle Australians are now more aware about the dangers of asbestos. Such knowledge has occurred for a variety of reasons, including asbestos claims in Australia.

Bushfires that have swept through the Tasmanian town of Dunalley in January 2013 have left potentially deadly asbestos material exposed in both residential and community areas.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard visited the devastated area today, including a visit to Dunalley Primary School. The school has been reduced to a heap of twisted metal and shattered asbestos sheeting, and Gillard has today made a commitment to rebuild this local amenity.

Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can lead to the onset of potentially fatal conditions such as asbestosis. Small amounts of exposure to asbestos can lead to the condition of malignant mesothelioma.

It is not unusual that asbestos has been found in Tasmania in this form. Asbestos is typically found in all residential buildings constructed prior to about the mid 1980s. The hazardous nature of asbestos necessitates its swift, expert removal when exposure to its dusts may occur.

Tasmanian locals are calling for a swift removal of the deadly asbestos, some reporting that asbestos was found in 8 out of 10 devastated homes in their vicinity. Clean up initiatives should be prioritized to prevent the spread of asbestos and minimise potential exposure to it.

Asbestos compensation legislation in Australia has been introduced into Tasmania and states such as NSW, Victoria and South Australia, allowing those who contract an asbestos-related condition to pursue an asbestosis claim or mesothelioma claim.

Despite asbestos stalling the $4 million rebuild of the Fairhaven, Victoria surf life saving clubhouse in November of last year, the club is still paying $4,300 a week to builders to keep fencing on site and their contract alive.

Asbestos was discovered at the site after the demolition of clubrooms which were built in the 1960s. The club is now calling for support from the Victorian State Government, local Council and the public to help them remove all asbestos from the site. The removal of asbestos is extremely important as even minimal exposure to asbestos can lead to a person contracting an asbestos related illness such as mesothelioma.

The club has now been forced to operate safety patrols and nipper programs from an old container and trailer. However both the club and Victorian Government have confirmed they are working together to remove all asbestos and resume the rebuilt.

Victoria, along with other states in Australia such as NSW and South Australia, now have legislation in place to assist people in pursuing an asbestos compensation claims. Asbestos compensation claims in Victoria such as mesothelioma compensation claims in Victoria, are assisted by legislation ensuring a speedy process occurs.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council in New South Wales have been asked by Yass Valley Council if they could dispose of asbestos which was removed from a fire damaged building, in the Goulburn tip as they do not hold the required licence.

Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council has confirmed that the council has agreed to allow the asbestos waste to be dumped. However this would have an impact on their tip so the two councils have been in financial negotiations and Goulburn is still waiting to see if Yass Valley is bringing the asbestos to them.

The Mayor is assuring the Goulburn community that there will be no risk to the public’s health if the asbestos is to be dumped in Goulburn tip. Yass Valley Council will be making sure the waste is transported safely and then tip employees who are fully qualified will be handling the asbestos waste.

These safety precautions are extremely important as even minimal exposure to asbestos can lead to a person contracting an asbestos related illness such as mesothelioma.

Australia was a large user of asbestos in the past and the unfortunate legacy is that asbestos diseases, especially mesothelioma which is expected to peak within the next decade, have become major health concerns. Residents all over Australia have been affected, including in such places as Goulburn. Many of those suffering asbestos conditions have pursued asbestos compensation claims in Australia to ensure their family’s interests are looked after.