Asbestos fear after blaze
Health officials are warning people near Auckland’s Ponsonby Intermediate School to take extra care after asbestos was found in a roof that caught fire this week.
The blaze broke out at the central Auckland school on Tuesday, in a building that had asbestos in its roof, Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) officials said.
They said the fire and weather spread debris up to 100 metres along one of the neighbouring roads, Sheehan St.
ARPHS medical officer of health Dr Denise Barnfather said any risk was very low and a number of measures had already been taken to protect people’s health.
“The Ministry of Education has taken steps to ensure the school site is safe and is arranging for appropriate demolition and removal of the building’s remains,” she said.
“Contractors have also removed debris from the street and footpaths and the road is being flushed.”
Barnfather said that although asbestos is known to have damaging health effects, this is only after high level exposure over long periods of time.
She said that as the fire was a oneoff, and the asbestos fibres are contained within the roofing material, the public health risk is considered very low. “But if you pass through that neighbourhood, particularly if you are walking with pets or children, it’s important to be vigilant for any debris that may have come from the fire.
Locals have already been spoken to.
“Our advice, if you find any material you think may be asbestos, is to ensure that children and pets don’t pick it up, and to call council to dispose of it appropriately.”
The number to call is (09) 301 0101.