Asbestos town to be closed
NZPA Perth [ The West Australian Government has decided to close down the former asbestos mining town of Wittenoom, 1 where at least 40 people are! believed to have died from asbestos-related diseases. Another 200 people, residents or former residents of I the town, 2300 km north of Perth, are ill, mainly with[ mesothelioma, a pleural and peritoneal cancer linked with | asbestos. Wittenoom now has only; 150 residents. The State Health Minister; (Mr Ray Young) said that! no amount of money would' make the town safe for, long-term residents.
11 The Government has dejcided to build a new township nearby after safety [checks and consultation with residents. ! Residents recently refused [to pay any rates or taxes, ;and claimed that the Government was too slow in making a decision on the future of ■ [the town. The figures on deaths and [illness caused by asbestos [dust came from research by [the Ex-Wittenoom Residents’ •Association. [ The’ association fears that '[the number of people with [diseases caused by asbestos ! [ may not reach its peak until [1986.
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Press, 1 December 1978, Page 6
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176Asbestos town to be closed Press, 1 December 1978, Page 6
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