Apology Needed for Asbestos Victims
Article Added March 13th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
A Commissioner said it was sensationalist when asbestos was reported to be in a Holsworthy training facility, calling the health risk only “moderate.” Some think that the down playing of the situation demands an apology.
An asbestos contamination was reported by a local newspaper at a Holsworthy training facility, exposing hundreds of military personnel, medical providers and emergency service providers to a potentially deadly risk. The fire brigade commissioner in charge down played the threat, rating the risk to those emergency workers exposed at the facility as moderate. According to reports, though, every firefighter in NSW will be offered screenings for asbestos related diseases. Those exposed at Holsworthy during their anti-terrorist training will be allowed priority.
The part that bothers most of the public, as well as those involved, is that senior personnel knew the buildings used for training contained asbestos – and training was still conducted regardless. The word “moderate” is now under fire as the commissioner used it; was the risk level moderate, or was the exposure level moderate, and which situation would be worse? Considering the medical problems associated with asbestos exposure, including mesothelioma and emphysema, the answer is neither. The commissioner has been prodded to provide an apology to the firefighters and their families.
Article Added March 13th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
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