Update on asbestos in soil
A proactive audit program of Queensland companies that manufacture and supply landscaping products has detected a small amount of asbestos in a stockpile of soil at a business, NuGrow in Ipswich.
Given the low level of contamination found in the test sample, Queensland Health has advised that there is minimal risk to public health and safety at this time.
The fact that this product is for use outdoors also reduces the risk to public health and safety.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Queensland Health and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation are working quickly to keep Queenslanders informed and safe.
If you are concerned a business you have had dealings with since 2 February 2024 may have received potentially contaminated soil, you can check the list of businesses.
We have also published a list of sites that have received soil potentially contaminated with asbestos.
To speak with someone you can call 1300 130 372 for further information and advice. You do not need to wait to listen for the options. Press 2 to speak with an operator.
Frequently asked questions
Check the list of businesses known to have potentially received contaminated material.
If your purchase occurred between 2 to 26 February 2024, do not disturb the product and contact the business to confirm the origin.
Call 1300 130 372 for further information and advice. You do not need to wait to listen for the options. Press 2 to speak with an operator.
It’s your duty to manage the risks of asbestos and protect your workers and others from illness. So, you need to make sure that you're aware of any asbestos or asbestos containing materials at your place of work. Refer to asbestos.qld.gov.au for further information.
Please ensure you have restricted access to the material in the first instance by using a suitable barricade. For example, use high visibility barrier tape to delineate and isolate the impacted area, and included suitable warnings such as ‘warning asbestos present’ signage.
Once the location is barricaded and suitable warning signs installed, please engage a suitably qualified professional such as a licensed asbestos assessor or occupational hygienist who can undertake testing and provide further advice on asbestos management and remediation.
It is important that you do not touch, move, dig or redistribute the soil, and keep off the area.
In a residential setting, you should use whatever means you have available to delineate, isolate and restrict access to contaminated soil areas, for example use barricade tape between garden bins. The important part is that people nearby don’t disturb the material.
As long as the material is left alone, the risk is very low.
One off exposure is also very low risk. Most people who develop asbestos-related diseases have worked in jobs where they have frequently breathed in large amounts of asbestos fibres for a long time.
Out of an abundance of caution Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has taken action to impose requirements to ensure worker and community safety is protected and have published possible sites impacted.
Contact the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation on 1300 130 372 for further information and advice. You do not need to wait to listen for the options. Press 2 to speak with an operator.
Information on the management of asbestos including the appropriate controls for working with asbestos can be found at the Queensland Government Asbestos webpage: http://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are working with NuGrow and businesses that may have received the materials. Businesses may have received potentially contaminated soil products between 2 and 26 February 2024.