Leeton Shire Council has given its unanimous approval for the construction of an asbestos disposal pit at the Leeton Landfill and Waste Recycling Centre.

Some residents would like to see a pit constructed further out of town, while others believe it’s the safest way to dispose of the dangerous mineral. 

Amanda Stanton commented on The Irrigator’s Facebook page that nothing would change for residents. 

“The people who are against it obviously don't know that since the tip has been open they have disposed of asbestos,” she said. 

“So, nothing will change other than not being charged to dump it the first three months the new pit opens.”

Others, including director of community outreach at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, Emily Walsh, are pleased to see organisations becoming more active in their approach to asbestos removal. 

Asbestos is most “well-known” for its role in causing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer that can develop in linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

“I think more and more organisations and governments are taking notice and seeing just how dangerous asbestos exposure can be,” Ms Walsh said.

“Here in the US, hundreds of thousands of public buildings and homes are still likely contain asbestos, and while we can’t do a whole lot about the past we can still take action to protect future generations.

“In Australia for example, the Victorian government invested more than $155 million to pay for asbestos removal in hundreds of schools and has plans to remove the toxic mineral from about 1200 over the next few years.

“Taking a proactive approach to asbestos removal and regulation will go a long way toward reducing the number of lives lost to asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other lung diseases.”

A poll conducted by The Irrigator found 75 per cent of those who voted were in favour of the asbestos pit being constructed. 

A further 19.44 per cent were against the idea and 5.56 per cent were unsure. 

Ms Walsh was hopeful more awareness could continue to be raised about just how dangerous asbestos is. 

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“Although more people are becoming aware of the dangers asbestos poses, that doesn't change the fact that there are still countries producing, exporting and using it by the hundreds of thousands of tons,” she said.

“Even with better awareness and stricter regulations, only about 62 countries have actually completely banned its use.

“One of the most important things a person can do if they come across asbestos in their homes is to simply leave it alone. 

“It’s never a good idea to attempt to remove those products on your own and is incredibly dangerous to do without the proper equipment. A trained professional should be the only one testing, encasing or removing asbestos products.”

For more information on asbestos and mesothelioma visit https://www.mesothelioma.com/.