People's Daily Online, Sydney, February 20 -- In recent days, the asbestos pollution crisis in Sydney, Australia has continued to ferment. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation 20**, there are currently 47 locations in the Greater Sydney area that are contaminated with asbestos, including schools, parks, hospitals, nursing homes and other public places.
As early as early January, it was reported that bonded asbestos was found in the cover near a playground in Sydney's West End, and the park was closed. Since then, the pollution crisis has widened, with several venues, including five schools, locked down.
NSW EPA chief executive Tony Chappell said the asbestos-contaminated mulch found so far came from the same company, Green Living Resources. However, the company insists that their mulch does not contain asbestos.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos is widely used in Australian buildings, and as long as people do not inhale asbestos fibers, there is no major danger. However, if asbestos is damaged and released into the air, it may cause lung-related diseases.
At present, a wide range of asbestos testing work is also being carried out, and the reasons for the occurrence of asbestos in the cover soil are investigated. (Intern Zhang Wenzhe).