Illegally Dumped Asbestos in Our National Parks: A Toxic Legacy in the Wilderness
Explore the environmental and health risks of illegally dumped asbestos in Australia's national parks. Learn how this toxic legacy harms our wilderness and what actions are needed to address it.
A recent cleanup effort in the State Mine Gully area of a national park uncovered and removed illegally dumped asbestos-containing materials. While the removal itself may have seemed straightforward, the broader issue is far more complex.
A Material That Refuses to Disappear
Asbestos is renowned for its durability—one of the very reasons it was so widely used in construction. But that same long-lasting nature becomes a serious problem when asbestos is dumped in the natural environment. It breaks down extremely slowly, posing a long-term health issue to both people and wildlife.
Even in the stillness of the bush, fragments of asbestos cement sheeting can deteriorate and release fibres into the air or soil. Walkers, families, and rangers enjoying the peace of the national park may unknowingly come into contact with contaminated ground.
Why Is Asbestos Dumped Illegally?
Unfortunately, illegal asbestos dumping is a growing problem, and several factors contribute to it:
High disposal costs: Specialised landfills licenced to accept asbestos operate under strict guidelines. The safe packaging, handling, and transport of asbestos aren’t cheap—and EPA levies can significantly increase the cost.
Lack of awareness: Some people don’t realise the danger, or they assume dumping in remote locations “won’t harm anyone.”
Cutting corners: Others deliberately sidestep regulations to save time or money, ignoring the lasting harm they cause to communities and the environment.
Intergenerational Impact
What makes this issue particularly alarming is its lasting legacy. Unlike organic waste that decomposes over time, asbestos remains in the environment for decades—if not longer. Children playing near a bush trail, hikers taking a break, or volunteers restoring habitat could all unknowingly be exposed to asbestos fibres from a dump site abandoned years ago.
Protecting Our Parks
Asbestos contamination in national parks isn’t just an environmental concern—it’s a public health issue. While authorities and volunteers are working hard to identify and remove hazardous materials, prevention remains the most powerful tool.
We all have a role to play in promoting safe disposal, raising awareness, and pushing for better support systems that make legal asbestos disposal more accessible and affordable.
Beware What’s Beneath: Asbestos Cement Sheeting Used as Formwork in Concrete Slabs
Uncover the hidden dangers of asbestos cement sheeting used as formwork in concrete slabs. Learn how to identify, manage, and mitigate health risks linked to past building practices.
For many Aussie homeowners, tradies, and renovators, working with concrete slabs might seem straightforward—until it’s not. One hidden but serious hazard in older properties is asbestos cement sheeting used as formwork during the original concrete pour.
A Hidden Legacy
Back in the day, asbestos cement sheeting was cheap and widely used. Builders often used it as formwork—the mould that shapes and supports wet concrete as it sets. Unlike today’s safer options like steel, plywood, or modern fibre cement, asbestos cement left behind a health risk that we’re only now fully understanding.
Why Is It So Problematic?
Once asbestos is embedded in concrete, it becomes extremely hard to detect—and even harder to remove. What’s worse, there’s no way to guarantee asbestos isn’t present throughout the slab. What looks like ordinary concrete could be hiding asbestos underneath, around the edges, or even within the mix.
If asbestos is suspected, treat the slab as asbestos waste. That means engaging licenced professionals, following safety protocols, and ensuring it’s disposed of at an approved facility.
A Word of Caution for Renovators and DIYers
Asbestos is especially risky for DIYers and renovators. Grabbing a jackhammer or concrete saw without knowing what’s beneath the surface could release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air. Once airborne, these fibres pose serious long-term health risks if inhaled.
Play It Safe
If you're planning any work on concrete slabs—particularly in buildings constructed before the 1990s—get it professionally inspected first. A licenced asbestos assessor can identify potential risks and recommend the safest course of action. With asbestos, it's always best to assume it’s present until proven otherwise.
For many Aussie homeowners, tradies, and renovators, working with concrete slabs might seem straightforward—until it’s not. One hidden but serious hazard in older properties is asbestos cement sheeting used as formwork during the original concrete pour.
