In this episode, we delve into the question of dangers lurking in unsuspecting areas like our backyards and public parks. Join Gunnar and James as they discuss with researcher Ana Serra the findings of her study into asbestos exposure from seemingly mundane activities like lawn mowing or soil disturbance during landscaping or Council maintenance work.  

• How many respirable fibres get released  when a lawn mower drives over bonded asbestos fragments on the surface of a site? 
• What happens when the spinning blades hit a fragment and the fragment gets propelled out?
• What happens when you do all this during a record breaking dry spell in hot and dusty Australian summer conditions ?
• Is there a difference in exposure levels when you compare members of the public who are nearby the work areas to the exposure of the trades people doing the actual work?
• What measures can be taken to avoid the release of respirable fibres during those activities?
• How do you best approach the subject with worried staff members and the public? 

The 2019 study was funded by Liverpool City Council. Investing in research is often a challenging decision for local councils, but guess which Council's rate payers are sitting rather sweet now during the Mulchgate panic and enjoy the fruit of the research?  Huge credit to Liverpool City Council for taking the lead and funding the research.  What a great investment it turned out to be.

This episode was recorded on 15 March 2024.

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The necessary disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this Podcast are the speakers’ own. They do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of 4Pillars Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd or any Client, Supplier or other party related to 4Pillars or the speakers.

(c) Gunnar Haid and James Hammond