Community effort following cyclones and flooding may cause more problems

Queensland, Australia has suffered great damage from a recent twin cyclone and flooding. With much of the area destroyed, communities have pulled together to help one another pick up and rebuild after the devastation. For president of Asbestos Disease Foundation, Barry Robson, the communal support is a nightmare. “It strikes terror into my heart, it really does,” said Robson in response to the well-meaning Queensland locals.

Robson is acutely aware of the safety issues related to this type of clean up. Aside from the more obvious dangers of loose debris and unstable structures, Robson recognizes the almost invisible threat of asbestos fibers. “You can just about say any house built before 1984 has it,” he says of the presence of asbestos amongst the wreckage.

Asbestos fibers cause severe respiratory damage. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer most commonly associated with asbestos exposure. If inhaled, asbestos fibers can begin a cancerous development of malignant tumors through the lining of abdominal cavities such as the lungs or heart, which take decades to recognize. Once a diagnosis is made, life expectancy is grim; patients typically survive between six months and two years. Although mesothelioma treatments exist, there is no known cure.

Robson fears for the Queensland community. “People are trying to do the right thing, that’s the problem,” he said. “It’s just a natural reaction — everyone wants to get in and clean up, but they just forget about the dangers. Then 20 to 30 years from now we might have people coming down with deadly diseases.”

Warnings have been broadcast and guidelines advertised for clean up. Power tools and pressure hoses that would spread toxic fibers in the air are not allowed. People are urged to use protective masks, keep the debris damp and not to attempt moving larger pieces of wreckage. Contractors and soldiers have flocked the area to aid in the work.

Operation Yasi Assist’s commander Brigadier Stuart Smith has brought 1000 troops to north Queensland, helping to rebuild homes and necessary structures. Volunteers and members of the community are going from house to house covering damaged roofs, moving trees and closing up windows.

Philip Bird, of Tasmanian State Emergency Service (SES), joins Robson in his caution of further heath damage. Bird and his crew are trained to recognized asbestos materials and respond accordingly.  “If it’s broken or smashed and dry, we leave it alone, we don’t have the equipment to deal with it. If it’s wet, we can work in the vicinity.”

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