Is your garden at risk? Asbestos discovered in commercial compost facility
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In a shocking revelation that has left many residents of one state reeling, asbestos—a deadly substance known for its carcinogenic properties—has been detected in commercial compost.
This is the first time such a discovery has been made in the area, following a series of similar incidents in New South Wales (NSW).
The asbestos was found in a product stockpile at NuGrow's facility in Ipswich, Queensland, a company known for its composting and recycling services.
The discovery was made during a state-wide testing initiative that targeted 23 sites, including landscape suppliers, composters, and landfills.
So far, NuGrow's facility is the only one to have returned a positive result for asbestos, with results for approximately half of the sites still pending.
Asbestos, once a popular building material, is now known to cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Its presence in compost—a product commonly used in home gardens and public spaces—raises serious concerns about potential exposure and the associated health risks.
NuGrow recently promoted a compost product on business and employment platform LinkedIn, claiming it could 'revolutionise the way lawn bowling greens are maintained’.
The post was accompanied by photos of the compost being spread across the turf. There is no suggestion that this particular compost was contaminated with asbestos.
NuGrow has responded to these findings in a statement.
‘There is currently no evidence to suggest that people who may have come in contact with this material are at risk,’ they said.
Meanwhile, further investigations are being conducted to test the air quality at the Ipswich site alongside other testing processes
The potential risks to workers and the public are also being assessed.
'We will immediately inform the community if any health risks are identified,' the Department of Environment assured in a statement.
The past 30 days of NuGrow's operations at the site are also being investigated to determine where the potentially asbestos-contaminated compost may have been distributed.
An 'emergency direction' has been issued to NuGrow, prohibiting them from removing any materials from the site unless they are being correctly disposed of or have been confirmed to be asbestos-free.
In light of this alarming discovery, asbestos testing is also being expanded across Queensland.
This testing scheme was initiated following the detection of asbestos-laced mulch at several sites in NSW, including public parks and children's playgrounds. You can read more on this story here.
Have you been affected by the current asbestos issue? Feel free to share your experiences and concerns in the comments below.
This is the first time such a discovery has been made in the area, following a series of similar incidents in New South Wales (NSW).
The asbestos was found in a product stockpile at NuGrow's facility in Ipswich, Queensland, a company known for its composting and recycling services.
The discovery was made during a state-wide testing initiative that targeted 23 sites, including landscape suppliers, composters, and landfills.
So far, NuGrow's facility is the only one to have returned a positive result for asbestos, with results for approximately half of the sites still pending.
Asbestos was found in a composting facility in Queensland. Credit: Shutterstock
Asbestos, once a popular building material, is now known to cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Its presence in compost—a product commonly used in home gardens and public spaces—raises serious concerns about potential exposure and the associated health risks.
NuGrow recently promoted a compost product on business and employment platform LinkedIn, claiming it could 'revolutionise the way lawn bowling greens are maintained’.
The post was accompanied by photos of the compost being spread across the turf. There is no suggestion that this particular compost was contaminated with asbestos.
NuGrow has responded to these findings in a statement.
‘There is currently no evidence to suggest that people who may have come in contact with this material are at risk,’ they said.
Meanwhile, further investigations are being conducted to test the air quality at the Ipswich site alongside other testing processes
The potential risks to workers and the public are also being assessed.
'We will immediately inform the community if any health risks are identified,' the Department of Environment assured in a statement.
The past 30 days of NuGrow's operations at the site are also being investigated to determine where the potentially asbestos-contaminated compost may have been distributed.
An 'emergency direction' has been issued to NuGrow, prohibiting them from removing any materials from the site unless they are being correctly disposed of or have been confirmed to be asbestos-free.
In light of this alarming discovery, asbestos testing is also being expanded across Queensland.
This testing scheme was initiated following the detection of asbestos-laced mulch at several sites in NSW, including public parks and children's playgrounds. You can read more on this story here.
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