Samples have been taken for testing from what remains of a house in Maryborough, Queensland that burnt down on the 25 February 2013. These samples have been taken after residents raised fears about asbestos contamination at the site. The residents who live on Churchill St contacted Fraser Council demanding the remains of the house be removed to ensure the safety of the community.
While the council and Queensland Health have checked the site, they have said the clean up and management of asbestos is the responsibility of the owner. If Queensland Health confirms from the samples that asbestos is present, the owner of the property will have strict guidelines to adhere to when cleaning up the site.
Residents have been extremely concerned ever since the home burnt down; they believe asbestos is present at the site in a powdery form. Asbestos fears are only growing, as the town is experiencing high winds which is causing these asbestos fibres to become airborne creating a major health risk for the community.
Some asbestos related conditions, an in particular mesothelioma, can be caused by relatively low amounts of exposure. There have been many mesothelioma claims in Queensland following low exposure to asbestos.
