Burned Warehouse Creates Asbestos Concern

(Melbourne, Australia - February 4, 2011) A major asbestosworry enveloped Pascoe Vale Road after a fire ripped through the former Bunnings Warehouse hardware store Thursday night.

According to the reports, authorities ordered families living near the burned building to temporarily move out of their properties and wait on the street as fire crews finally brought the blaze under control. Reports said the fire began about 9:30 in the evening.

Mark O?Connor, Commander of Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB), claimed in an interview that around 50 fire fighters were deployed on the scene to bring the fire under control. He said the fire fighters arrived while the outside walls of the construction were exploding. Thick smoke with asbestos fibers clouded the area, while flames engulfed the vacant construction near resident houses.

Meanwhile, fire crews covered with protective gear had not yet entered the construction. O?Connor mentioned they were concerned about asbestos exposure. asbestos is a naturally occurring substance which was commonly used for manufacturing and construction materials such as fireproofing, insulation, cement and floor tiles. Recent reports showed that prolonged exposure to high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to vital wellbeing difficulties for example asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

MFB Commander said that concerns were also mounting over the toxic asbestos inside the burned building, debris that was scattered on the road and the exterior walls of the construction, which may still collapse during search operation. Nonetheless, council personnel are on their way to check for structural damage. Pascoe Vale Road will be temporarily closed until at least Saturday afternoon amid asbestos fears.

Those who feel they were exposed to asbestos or working in an asbestos industrial company are encouraged to file an asbestos settlementwith an experienced asbestos attorney. These mesothelioma lawsuitswill help the victims and their families receive claims which include compensation for medical costs and other losses when such a case is found eligible for settlement.