Malabar in Sydney is experiencing an asbestos scare after winds of more then 100km/h ripped off part of the Malabar RSL roof on the weekend. This has caused concern in the community as parts of the asbestos roof were sent flying, landing on surrounding homes and roads.

While the Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT teams were working hard to clear all the asbestos from the area, a number of streets had to be closed to the public and residents were advised to stay inside.

Fire and Rescue NSW have spoken out saying that while the situation does spark some concern because the roof was made of asbestos, locals should not be concerned that the air is contaminated. They are working with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and State Emergency Service to locate all pieces of asbestos sheeting and have already began the clean up. Three independent contractors have been using vacuums to clear all the debris from the storm.

Situations like these require a quick and efficient clean up procedure which ensures all asbestos is removed from the area as even minimal exposure to asbestos can result in residents contracting an asbestos related disease such as asbestos related pleural disease or mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a major concern in Australia. Mesothelioma cases in Australia continue to rise.

Over 170 homes have been damaged and three completely destroyed after what has been described as a mini tornado ripped through Kiama in New South Wales on Sunday morning. Ferocious winds ripped up trees and pulled up roofs leaving a lot of debris which are believed to contain asbestos.

When asbestos fibres become airborne, anyone exposed to them could be at risk of contracting an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma. While the asbestos was wet, there wasn’t much concern however now that it is becoming sunny the asbestos is drying out it is becoming extremely dangerous.

The storm on Sunday morning was responsible for a large amount of damage in Kiama including the leisure centre losing its roof. This has caused major problems as the leisure centre is mainly built from asbestos. As a result 70 people who live in the area surrounding the leisure centre will be evacuated until the area has been completely cleaned and is asbestos free.

The clean up of asbestos in Kiama is extremely important so residents are not at risk of contracting asbestos related illnesses like the cancer mesothelioma. While there is mesothelioma treatment available the disease is generally incurable and the number of new mesothelioma cases in Australia is expected to rise within the next decade. Therefore all necessary steps must be taken to reduce the chances of any Kiama residents being diagnosed with this cancer

It was suspected that asbestos was being removed illegally by workers after hours and on weekends in Cremorne, NSW. The site was visited by representatives of the CFMEU, who suggested that a suspicious material, which may have been asbestos, was littered across the floor.

Despite these fears, council workers who attended the site confirmed that there was no evidence of asbestos, and therefore the public need not be concerned about exposure to asbestos.

Councillor Fristacky publically announced that the only work being done was scrap metal salvaging on the roof of the building. However, Socialist councilor Stephen Jolly expressed his doubts as to this comment, stating that the Council was a little ‘naïve’ in their approach towards the situation.

The major concern with having asbestos lying on the ground is that once asbestos fibres are disturbed and become airbone, they can become detrimental to the human health. If asbestos fibres are inhaled, mesothelioma can result. Small amounts of asbestos can lead to mesothelioma. In Australia mesothelioma is especially prominent amongst construction workers, navy workers and builders.

Serafina Salucci, a sufferer of mesothelioma, has joined Australia’s largest unions in their attempt to encourage State and Federal government to fund and implement recommendations developed by the Asbestos Review Committee.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibres and while there is mesothelioma treatment available in Australia, there is no actual cure. Serafina Salucci believes because mesothelioma is incurable, raising public awareness of the dangers associated with asbestos will help stop people suffering like she has.

The Australian Manufacturer Worker’s Union (AMWU) and Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) are calling on the Australia Federal Government to finally get rid of all asbestos that is still present in older homes and government buildings in Australia.

Considering Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos related diseases in the world, and considering asbestos related deaths in Australia are expected to increase until 2020, it is time for the Australian government to implement a strategy to remove the threat of asbestos. Removing the threat of asbestos will decrease the number of people who contract asbestos related diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.

For Australians like Serafina Salucci who suffers from an asbestos related condition, there is legislation in place in some Australian states including NSW and Victoria to help them pursue an asbestos compensation claim.