I lived in the Pilbara from 79 to 81 and people were well aware of the danger that Wittenoom posed even back then but plenty  still went out there for a look around. In those days there were a few old residents still living in town who had  decided to stay regardless of the risk it posed to their health. The only thing that has probably changed in that time is the huge number of tourists that are now runnng around in that part of the world. If this is such a risk to public health why doesnt the WA government restrict  access into the old town by closing the roads it might not stop the most determined from getting in but it would probably deter most of them. Just putting up signs and advising people that they shouldnt go there due to the aspestos risk apparently hasnt had the desired effect.

BB

 

-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Sunday 19th of August 2018 08:59:25 AM

I went there over 30 years ago, the town was still being lived in by some and the caravan park was open. A kiosk was also operating selling of all things Barrumundi burgers. The pub was closed. A 4WD tour of the gorges was operating from town at the time also. The roads in the area including the housing and caravan park were covered in asbestos tailings. The mine gates were open but the mine was not operating as far as I know.

Grey Nomads have little to fear from asbestos exposure, asbestos related diseases take decades to develop, something else will get you before Mesothelioma.

Some info here that may be of interest https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/422267/2691.pdf

 

 

-- Edited by Santa on Wednesday 3rd of October 2018 09:18:09 AM

jules47 wrote:

---

Weevil, must have been about the time we went. Lady in one store raved about the town.

---

 Probably Jules, the gates to the mine were wide open when I went there, I drove in but there didn't seem to be anyone around, drove in and drove out again.    The caravan park was running and the ground was covered with asbestos fibres to keep the dust down.   A willy willy came through and paused over my tent, sucking it up and straining at the pegs, I had to dive into it to save it from taking off.   asbestos dust everywhere.    

Santa:  Thanks for link, appreciated. 

I was one of the lucky ones, that is, I never contracted asbestosis while working in the area ( "strike me " )

that was 45 years ago, I do recall seeing the glitter of the fibres sticking out of rocks and soil on the side off the trench as I operated a Backhoe,

It struck me as rather funny that, many years after I quit that job and moved overseas, with a time gap of almost 10 years, I received a letter from that company, stating that they acknowledged the fact that I worked in the area at that time, but no other explanation was offered why they stated that ??? 

Now today, with all the confirmed deaths from asbestosis, I think I may know the answer,  probably cheaper to admit guilt and offer some compensation, to a person who has more than likely already died !!!

K.J.

Yes, same hear PeterD and I did a search for asbestosis on the home page without a result there either.

Working now Santa,
Thank you, quite informative.