Sydney Faces Asbestos Contamination Crisis Across 41 Locations

Health authorities assess low risk from contaminated mulch as criminal investigation seeks responsible parties.

Asbestos contamination crisis in Sydney has spread to 41 locations, including schools, parks, and supermarkets, prompting the closure of public spaces and the setup of a special task force.
Health authorities emphasize the low risk of asbestos-related diseases from the contaminated mulch, noting that most of the asbestos found is bonded, which is less likely to be inhaled.
The source of the contamination has been traced to mulch supplied by Greenlife Resource Recovery, which denies responsibility and has launched a legal challenge over a ban on moving or selling the mulch.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is conducting a criminal investigation to identify the responsible parties, marking it as the largest investigation in state history.
Public concern remains high, with events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day being canceled and schools resorting to remote learning due to the contamination.