Crisis Asbestos Scare in Patea must be given urgent priority

MP for Te Tai Hauauru, Tariana Turia, has expressed grave concern for the public safety of the community of Patea, following a large fire at the site of the town’s former freezing works.

“What we know is that some three hundred people were evacuated because of concerns about the threat of asbestos exposure” said Mrs Turia.

“The Patea works have always been a significant feature of the town” said Mrs Turia. “We have learnt that some of their buildings have asbestos walls, roofs and cladding – and I have been told that a Ministry of Environment report was commissioned on the site”.

“Local knowledge has long considered it unsafe – and now we must all wait and see exactly what that level of safety is”.

"This fire overnight - and its related impacts must be an urgent priority for both the regional and national government agencies charged with environmental hazards, public health, and civil defence" urged Mrs Turia.

The fibres of asbestos can be extremely dangerous, if breathed or swallowed. The tiny dust particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, and if inhaled, can imbed in the tissues of vital organs, most particularly lungs and the digestive system.

“The media reports indicate the fire could last for two or three days”.

“My thoughts are with the Civil Defence, the firefighters, the police and the community members of Patea who are facing this crisis today” said Mrs Turia.

“I will be making myself available to do whatever I can, to ask the questions and ensure that every step is taken to ensure that all the health and safety risks attached to exposure to asbestos are thoroughly scrutinized” stated Mrs Turia.

“I will also be demanding some immediate research into the long term impact of asbestos risk evident through this fire” said Mrs Turia.

“We all recall the experience of Wittenoom (Western Australia) in which this small town, which was the site of a crocidolite asbestos mine in the 1930s was closed down by their Government, following over a thousand deaths linked to asbestos exposure”.

“The situation for Patea residents must become an urgent priority, today” said Mrs Turia. “We do not want to wait for years to come before we carry out another review”.

“Asbestos is considered so deadly that some 45 countries around the world have banned the use of it, recognizing the fatal associations it has with asbestosis, lung cancer and a particularly aggressive form of cancer called mesothelioma” said Mrs Turia.