The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have made the decision to monitor the recall of nearly 24,000 Great Wall and Chery cars which were found to have engines and exhaust gaskets containing asbestos.
However this recall does not require manufactures to replace all parts of the car that contain asbestos straight away. Customers may demand for this be done however if they do not, a warning sticker will be attached to the engine bay of the car at its next service.
The importation of all forms of asbestos is prohibited in Australia by the Customs Act and the supply, sale and use of any form of asbestos is also prohibited in all States and Territories in Australia. These laws prohibiting asbestos are in place as exposure to asbestos can cause serious health concerns including asbestosis and the cancer mesothelioma.
Despite these asbestos fears Delia Rickard deputy chairwoman of the ACCC has assured there are no health risks present to consumers during the normal use of their vehicle. However she does warn people that the engine and exhaust systems of these cars should only be worked on by qualified professionals. Despite the fact that there has been an importation ban on asbestos since 2004 in Australia, both consumers and automotive professionals must still be aware that these asbestos risks may still be present today.
Asbestos litigation in Australia has occurred in the past in respect to former mechanics and persons who worked with asbestos brake linings going on to develop asbestos conditions such as mesothelioma. Asbestos compensation claims in South Australia and other states have been pursued by such people.
