Asbestos Discovery Shuts Down Children’s Play Area
A children’s play park in South Shields, England has been shut down after asbestos was discovered during a routine investigation of the site. The site, known as Temple Park, was closed after asbestos was found in soil samples taken from the area. Temple Park was built on the site of a former landfill, but the top levels of soil were brought fresh to the site after the landfill was closed.
Dr Tricia Cresswell, of the Health Protection Agency, said: "The main health risks associated with asbestos are from inhaling the fibers in confined spaces. As the asbestos identified on the site is outdoors and is covered by soil and grass, it appears unlikely that anyone will have been exposed to sufficiently high levels or duration to cause significant health effects. The play area is now closed to the public so there is no ongoing risk to the public, and as soon as we receive more details about the levels of asbestos found, we will be able to carry out a more accurate risk assessment about any possible exposure.”
Asbestos exposure has been conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. This disease affects thousands of patients each year worldwide. The disease has a long latency period of up to five decades. However, once symptoms develop, patients rarely survive for more than 2 years.
Fiona Brown, executive director of neighborhood services at South Tyneside Council, said: "The council is working with the Health Protection Agency and the primary care trust to identify any potential risks associated with this site."