The 1st Asbestos Awareness Week was in 1985 with the objective to blunt the third wave of asbestos disease. Today the objective has not changed but with over 4000 lives now lost annually. In 2024, the Federal Government has followed WA’s example of an asbestos awareness week. Sadly highlighting that it has taken 40 years to hear the ADSA’s message and so many more lives lost.
The Federal government in 2024 released a national strategic plan to address the 6.4 million tonnes of asbestos left to age and deteriorate in public buildings, schools, and in the environment in general. Whilst a national coordinated plan is greatly appreciated West Australians can’t wait another 60-100 years as we are dealing with aging and deteriorating blue asbestos which is classed by The World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most hazardous forms of asbestos.
The ADSA is requesting urgent funding for the ADSA research support centre and programs to keep workers and the public safe with health monitoring, public health research and providing data to support asbestos policy.
