Asbestos, a mineral known for its hazardous health effects, has once again surfaced in alarming quantities across Sydney, raising concerns about public safety.
Following the initial discovery at Rozelle Parklands last month, further testing by the state’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has revealed contaminated mulch at multiple locations within the city.
Since then, the number of affected areas has grown across New South Wales. Friable asbestos was also found at Harmony Park in Surry Hills. Friable asbestos refers to asbestos-containing materials that easily crumble to powder by hand pressure when dry. These materials release asbestos fibres into the air more readily, posing a higher risk.
The recent findings have prompted urgent investigations into the mulch supply chain, with suspicions pointing to contaminated sources.
The City of Sydney said in a statement:
“We urge everyone to avoid the mulched garden beds and mulched areas under trees at these parks while the inspections are being carried out. The affected mulch is only used in garden beds and under trees, not in park playgrounds.
If further asbestos is found the area will be fenced and signs erected.”
Why is there asbestos in mulch?
Asbestos was previously used in various construction materials, including cement sheeting roofing. In the 1960s and 1970s, loose fibre asbestos was used in roof insulation across NSW. Alarmingly, the mineral wasn’t wholly banned until 2003.
One way to make mulch is using recycled materials.
According to the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, a fact sheet on using coloured mulch bark says, “The primary concern with coloured landscape mulches is not the dyes used for colouring. Rather, it is about the sources of wood chips and the possibility of contamination with toxic substances.”
“It has been found that some of the recycled waste wood used for making landscape mulch products is contaminated with various chemicals…”
Asbestos may be present in mulch if the mulch contains recycled materials where asbestos-containing materials were used.
What are the health risks of one-time asbestos exposure?
According to NSW Health, the risk of developing these diseases rises with the amount of fibre breathed in from asbestos exposure. Those who experience health problems from asbestos inhalation usually have had prolonged exposure to high levels of asbestos. Symptoms of these diseases typically don’t manifest until 20 to 30 years after initial asbestos exposure.
Asbestos poses a health risk when its fibres are airborne, as inhalation is the primary entry route into the body. However, small amounts of asbestos fibres are in the air daily without causing harm.
Different forms of asbestos material pose varying risk levels; stable materials like bonded asbestos-cement sheeting generally pose little risk if undisturbed, while disturbed or mishandled materials release airborne fibres, creating hazards.
If you are worried about your health, contact your GP, where you can privately enrol in the National Asbestos Exposure Register (NAER). Your health information is securely stored for future reference in case symptoms develop.
If you find asbestos in your home, an accredited asbestos removalist can be contacted through the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (02) 8586 3555
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
