Asbestos fears in road dust near Orange have raised fresh concerns about a potentially deadly hazard lurking beneath the feet of rural and regional Australians – naturally occurring asbestos.
Following last week’s ABC News report on residents’ calls for asbestos testing of unsealed roads near Orange, asbestos experts are warning that naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) could pose a serious health risk in areas where asbestos-bearing soils and rocks are disturbed.
And Orange is far from the only area of concern. NSW Government geological mapping identifies numerous council regions with potential for NOA, raising important questions about the risks associated with roadworks, farming, excavation and other everyday activities that disturb the ground.
As National Asbestos Awareness Month (1–30 November) gets underway, the Asbestos Education Committee is warning that there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure and urging landowners, farmers, councils and workers to understand the risks and download its fr ee Naturally Occurring Asbestos Management Plan Guide.
The NOA Guide can be downloaded from asbestosawareness.com.au.