Bonded asbestos has been confirmed to be present in mulch samples across Canberra.
After testing by WorkSafe ACT, bonded asbestos was found to be present in stockpiles sold or supplied by 12 businesses in the ACT listed below.
Further testing of mulch from suppliers around the ACT is underway to establish the extent of the contamination and any further action and remediation required.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius assures the ACT community that while there is not an immediate major health risk, WorkSafe ACT is responding quickly to the situation to protect the health and safety of all Canberrans.
“While the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres from bonded asbestos is low, if bonded asbestos is damaged or disturbed, it may cause the release of airborne asbestos fibres. It is very important that you do not move potentially contaminated material.
“The safety of the community is our number one priority. We are currently working with involved businesses to identify and inform anyone who may be impacted.”
This does not relate to the loose fill (friable) asbestos contained in Mr Fluffy homes, which poses a far greater health risk compared to bonded asbestos which is mixed with cement or resin to keep the fibres in place.
Retailers/Suppliers:
- Stonehenge
- Biajag
- Cool Green
- Living Simply
- Botanical Places
- Green Options
- Casey Projects
- Otis Gardening
- Terra Mater Group (formerly Eifer Earth)
- Rexley Landscaping
- COD Living Green Sustainable Gardening
- J&D Maintenance
If you have concerns that you may have received this mulch from an identified supplier:
- do not disturb or try and remove it
- isolate it so far as possible, and
- contact WorkSafe ACT on [email protected].
