Two abandoned asbestos buildings in Hukisson, New South Wales, are scheduled to be demolished this week after almost three years of campaigning to remove the buildings by local residents. The amount of time it has taken to remove these buildings contrasts hugely with the quick response seen when asbestos dangers recently developed in Kiama after what was described as a mini tornado hit.
There is no fencing around the buildings to keep vandals and the public out of these asbestos contaminated buildings. There is only an asbestos warning sign at the front of the site. Shoalhaven City Council expects the site to be cleared of all asbestos by Friday and have explained the reason why it has taken so long to resolve this asbestos concern is due to changes in ownership and the present owners living overseas.
The amount of time it has taken for this issue to resolve and the lack of security around the two asbestos contaminated buildings is a concern. This is because even minimal exposure to asbestos can lead persons contracting an asbestos related disease such mesothelioma or asbestos related pleural disease.
Unfortunately, there are many cases of persons in NSW developing asbestos related conditions such as mesothelioma following relatively small amounts of asbestos exposure.
