Ongoing asbestos dangers

NOVEMBER 19 to 26 marked Asbestos Awareness Week, a time to remind home renovators about the ongoing dangers of asbestos still hidden in an around Queensland homes.

At least one in every three Australian homes contains asbestos and – with a rise in popularity of DIY renovations in recent years – a growing number of people are at risk of being exposed to the potentially deadly material.

In addition to the traditionally high number of men being diagnosed through work-related exposure we’re also now seeing an increasing number of people, including women, being diagnosed with non-occupational exposure.

One of the biggest danger areas is home renovations, where exposure to asbestos can happen over a very short period of time.

Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world, due in large part to widespread use of asbestos as a building material before 1987.

Asbestos can be found in internal and external walls, roofing, under floors coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, beneath wall and floor tiles and in eaves, garages, feature walls and gables.

It has also been detected around hot water pipes, fences, outdoor toilets, chook pens and backyard sheds.

Its important Queenslanders remember that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres.

People need to know the risks and call in experts if in doubt – whether it’s during renovations, demolitions or when using imported goods which may not include appropriate warnings.

For anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to asbestos they should register the potential exposure via the National Asbestos Exposure Registry or for more information visit http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/asbestos/index.htm ALLISON GRIMLEY, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Toowoomba

‘‘ THE SOFT APPROACH TO CRIME HAS BEEN A TOTAL FAILURE. DISCIPLINE NEEDS TO BE RE-INSTATED, ESPECIALLY THE CANE.

DISCIPLINE

WE ARE being conned by the authorities and “experts”.

For several generations we have been told that we can’t use corporal punishment to discipline children. In the past there were rare incidences of bashings, knifings and bad behaviour in schools; murders were few.

Fast forward several decades and we see how effective the abandonment of corporal punishment and discipline has been.

Bullying at school and on the internet is out of control. Crime of all kinds is on the rise. Our news is full of it on a daily basis.

It’s obvious that lack of discipline has destroyed life for everyone, and the jails are full of offenders.

The revolving door “justice” system has seen soft sentences handed out and in many cases, suspended sentences.

Bailed criminals are being sent back to prison for offending whilst on bail.

The soft approach to crime has been a total failure. Discipline needs to be re-instated, especially the cane. JAY NAUSS, Glen Aplin

COUNCIL TRIPS

I HAVE sent six emails to the TRC seeking information for ratepayers, but the TRC remains tightlipped about costs and participants who holiday at ratepayers’ expense.

When the present elected mayor and councillors took up office they made the statement that they wanted to be known for their transparency. What a load of rubbish.

Last year I supplied this information to ratepayers but I am afraid this year there is a complete cover up. If you are interested and want the council to release this information pleaselet the TRC know that we ratepayers are sick of being kept in the dark on how our rate money is being splurged. DARRYL WILLIAMS, Toowoomba

ELECTRONIC EAVESDROPPING

SIR, someone once said, “Gentlemen do not read each other’s mail.”

China can and does. We in Australia have something in common with Taiwan. Both are considered a renegade province by China. Would recommend carrying out electronic sweeps of buildings, especially if there are students there.

China has few principles when it comes to eavesdropping on independent nations and it has influence in every facet of our society in this Peking Duck conspiracy.

T.J. FITZGERALD, Toowoomba