PARENTS have raised concerns about asbestos uncovered by recent rain on Altona Primary School oval, which is expected to be removed while children are on school holidays.
A parent, who asked not be named, said she wanted to know how long the asbestos had been there and whether children had been exposed.
“We have been left in the dark about where the asbestos has come from,” she said. “And, if it is in the soil, how dangerous is it to our children’s health? Most importantly, how long has it been exposed to our children for and where has it come from?
“Are neighbours being made aware of the problem?”
The school referred the Weekly to the Education Department for comment.
Department spokeswoman Vanessa O’Shaughnessy said some of the topsoil washed away during recent rain, exposed pieces of concrete sheeting found to contain asbestos.
“An immediate analysis showed the material contained asbestos and, that night, the department had the oval fenced off and air-monitoring installed and arrangements were made for the oval to be scoured by a team of professional asbestos removal experts,” she said. “They removed the visible material and recommended the removal of some patches of earth where the material was found in higher concentrations.
“The contractors for this work have been engaged and, in consultation with the school, will remove affected soil and resurface the area at the department’s expense.
“Until that happens in a week or so – obviously not when children are at school – the area will remain fenced off.”
All schools have asbestos management plans that parents are able to view. The department audits asbestos on an ongoing basis, with more than 300 audits scheduled to take place until June next year.
