Bonded asbestos has been found in cottage mulch samples tested by WorkSafe ACT. Photo: Stonehenge Beltana Facebook.
WorkSafe ACT has confirmed it has detected bonded asbestos in mulch samples tested in Canberra.
The ACT Government had been alerted on Saturday (17 February) that potentially contaminated mulch had been sold in the Territory from 12 Canberra businesses between 1 March 2023 and 19 February 2024.
These retailers/suppliers are Stonehenge, Biajag, Cool Green, Living Simply, Botanical Places, Green Options, Casey Projects, Otis Gardening, Terra Mater Group (formerly Eifer Earth), Rexley Landscaping, COD Living Green Sustainable Gardening and J&D Maintenance.
WorkSafe ACT has issued prohibition notices under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Dangerous Substances Act 2004 warning people not to disturb, handle or dispose of mulch material until further notice.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius assured the ACT community that while there was no immediate major health risk, her department was responding quickly to the situation to protect the health and safety of all Canberrans.
“While the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres from bonded asbestos is low, if bonded asbestos is damaged or disturbed, it may cause the release of airborne asbestos fibres. It is very important that you do not move potentially contaminated material,” she said.
“The safety of the community is our number one priority. We are currently working with involved businesses to identify and inform anyone who may be impacted.”
Further testing of mulch from suppliers around the ACT is underway to establish the extent of the contamination and any further action and remediation required.
If you have concerns that you may have received this mulch from an identified supplier:
- do not disturb or try to remove it
- isolate it so far as possible, and
- contact WorkSafe ACT on WorkSafe_Asbestos@worksafe.act.gov.au.
This does not relate to the loose fill (friable) asbestos contained in Mr Fluffy homes, which poses a far greater health risk compared to bonded asbestos, which is mixed with cement or resin to keep the fibres in place.
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