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.
