March 24th, 2005

Officials and locals are alarmed after asbestos waste was found dumped on a road in Suffolk, Ipswich, in the UK. The asbestos was thought to have come from roofing, and had simply been left in the road, exposing locals and passers-by to the dangers of asbestos inhalation. This is a deadly material, which can result in a number of illnesses when inhaled or swallowed, including a deadly cancer known as mesothelioma.

City officials quickly arranged for fully protected, specialist workers to come and remove the asbestos from the road as a matter of urgency because of the health risks posed by the material. Babergh Council official, Jonas Grist, stated: "Babergh is aware of the dumping of asbestos roofing in a number of locations near Tattingstone, one of which makes the collection of the material very difficult indeed. We are working with a contractor to remove the waste and aim to complete the work as soon as possible."

Mr Grist added that this is a very serious matter for the council. Stating: "The illegal dumping of any material is an anti-social act, the dumping of potentially dangerous substances doubly so. Babergh will be unstinting in its efforts to find the irresponsible individual or individuals who did this."

The local papers are now also appealing for information and suggestions as to how this illegal dumping of toxic waste can be stopped before it causes damage to locals.