Asbestos Discovery Results In Office Closures -- MesoLink.org -- 11-16-05

Over 200 staff in office buildings on Canberra, Australia, have been evacuated and temporarily relocated while an investigation is carried out into the discovery of the carcinogenic substance, asbestos, which was found present in the building. The staff members were relocated for their own health and safety, as this substance can cause a myriad of serious health problems if airborne.

The office is one belonging to the Department of Immigration in the city, and the asbestos dust was found to be present in the air conditioning. The discovery of the dust was made by contractors who were renovating part of the office. The contractors suspected asbestos dust in the air conditioning vents while working on them last week.

Since then, tests have been carried out by asbestos experts, and the Department of Immigration has confirmed that the results came back stating that there was indeed asbestos dust present. Staff members, in addition to being relocated for their safety, have also been offered counseling following their possible exposure to the dangerous and potentially deadly substance.

The matter is now being investigated by Comcare as well as by the Australian environmental authorities.