Post by Brent George on Jul 19, 2022 20:13:24 GMT
This shabby Auckland fence is one of thousands that could threaten public health
Stuff - Lifestyle: 20-July-2022
A crumbling fence in south Auckland might not seem noteworthy, but it’s one of thousands across the city that could threaten public health.
It has holes in it, and chunks are falling off – but the real problem is that the fence contains tiny carcinogenic asbestos fibres.
An independent hazmat consultant says the fence in Pukekohe could be a health risk if fragments strewn across the path and adjacent driveways are pulverised by cars or bicycles, producing dust.
According to the Ministry of Health, airborne asbestos can cause malignant tumours and cancer when breathed into the lungs. The greater exposure, the higher the risk.
It took four weeks for Auckland Council to produce a report confirming the fence contained asbestos after it was contacted by Stuff following a reader tip. The council is now considering asking residents to share the costs of removing the fence.
Stuff - Lifestyle: 20-July-2022
A crumbling fence in south Auckland might not seem noteworthy, but it’s one of thousands across the city that could threaten public health.
It has holes in it, and chunks are falling off – but the real problem is that the fence contains tiny carcinogenic asbestos fibres.
An independent hazmat consultant says the fence in Pukekohe could be a health risk if fragments strewn across the path and adjacent driveways are pulverised by cars or bicycles, producing dust.
According to the Ministry of Health, airborne asbestos can cause malignant tumours and cancer when breathed into the lungs. The greater exposure, the higher the risk.
It took four weeks for Auckland Council to produce a report confirming the fence contained asbestos after it was contacted by Stuff following a reader tip. The council is now considering asking residents to share the costs of removing the fence.