Asbestos research in east Auckland
Researchers from AUT in search of asbestos contamination will collect samples from up to 10 east Auckland beaches this weekend, in an effort to determine the level of public risk posed by this material.
Samples of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) will be searched for on beaches in Glendowie, including Roberta Reserve, Karaka Bay and Anderson’s Bay, by AUT researcher Harshal Waghela.
Waghela, a research assistant at AUT’s School of Future Environments, aims to collect between 20 and 30 samples during low tide on Sunday, 2 November.
The samples will be analysed at Accurate Consulting’s Auckland laboratory before being sent to research collaborators in Italy for further assessment.
The researchers, led by AUT Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry, aim to map the presence of ACMs on east Auckland beaches and determine the level of risk to the public, based on the material type.
Associate Professor Berry says that the ACMs previously found in the area are considered ‘non-friable’, meaning the materials can’t be crushed by hand to expose asbestos fibres. There is, however, a risk that ACM could break down over time, due to weathering.
“Further analysis of the samples will help determine the likelihood of asbestos fibres being released from the edges of the materials,” Associate Professor Berry says.
“We hope this research will aid in the development of international best-practice procedures relating to the presence of asbestos contaminated materials on beaches.”
Associate Professor Berry says Waghela is qualified to handle ACMs. He will wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) and the samples will be double bagged for added safety.
“If members of the public come across materials they think may contain asbestos, they should report it to their local council and should not touch or attempt to move them,” she says.
To report ACMS, Auckland Council can be contacted at healthenforcement@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or by phoning 09 301 0101. The research is funded by AUT’s School of Future Environments, with support from Accurate Consulting, Asbestos Management Consultants Ltd and the Tamaki Estuary Protection Society.
For further information on asbestos containing materials on east Auckland beaches, visit the Auckland Council website.