A report into asbestos at Hakea Prison in Western Australia has found the asbestos poses a serious health risk to prisoners, staff and the community and it will cost taxpayers $2.5 million to fix the problem. Material contaminated with asbestos was discovered in the roofs of seven blocks with the risk of exposure being medium to high in most of them.
Most of the asbestos found can become a powder over time and it is suggested that this type of asbestos be removed immediately. The work that is said to cost $2.5 million is expected to be undertaken soon as safety is the major priority.
Western Australian shadow corrective services minister Paul Papalia has also spoken out about the situation. Calling for a register to be created which will outline which prisoners and staff members have been or may have been exposed to asbestos so the necessary health checks can be conducted. This is extremely important as anybody exposed to asbestos is at risk of contracting an asbestos related disease such as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. Many people in Australia are diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos conditions each year.
