October 16th, 2006

Authorities and officials in Australia have expressed concern over the illegal dumping of asbestos on country roads and land, and have stated that this appears to be a growing trend that could result in health problems for the general public if they are exposed to the deadly substance.

Four tons of broken asbestos tiles were recently dumped on a road near Mallala, and the Environmental Protection Authority was called in to investigate. The tiles had been bagged up, but the bags had split open leaving the asbestos tiling all over the road.

Once officials expressed his concerns over the health threats that such incidents pose to the public, stating: Certainly, if anyone went along and played in it or dumped other materials on it and disturbed it you could inhale asbestos fibres."

He added: "Asbestos is a very carcinogenic substance. In theory if it is dumped on the side of a road drivers could be at risk because the asbestos could be funnelled through an open window."