<
https://theconversation.com/asbestos-in-playground-mulch-how-to-avoid-a-repeat-of-this-circular-economy-scandal-227766>
"Asbestos has been found in mulch used for playgrounds, schools, parks and
gardens across Sydney and Melbourne. Local communities naturally fear for the
health of their loved ones. Exposure to asbestos is a serious health risk –
depending on its intensity, frequency and duration – as it may lead to chronic
lung diseases.
The source of contamination is believed to be timber waste from construction
and demolition sites that was turned into mulch. So far, 60 locations in Sydney
and 12 in Melbourne have been identified as contaminated with asbestos to
various degrees. The numbers could increase as investigations continue.
Following the initial detection in New South Wales and Victoria, an
investigation in Queensland detected asbestos in one compost and one mulch
product.
The severity, spread and impact of the issue convince us to call it the largest
scandal in the history of Australia’s circular economy. A circular economy
recycles and reuses materials or products with the goal of being more
sustainable.
Our research highlights the importance of making it mandatory to certify
recycled products such as mulch to ensure their safety. We found none of the
local, state or national policies on sustainable procurement practices
recommend recycled product certification as a preventive strategy. We also
found significant levels of ignorance and resistance to certification schemes
in the recycling sector.
These obstacles must be overcome so we have certification of recycled products
that ensures their quality, performance, environmental friendliness and
safety."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
