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.
