Mesothelioma-causing asbestos released in fire

A leisure center in Aberafan in the United Kingdom has been badly damaged by fire. In addition, the fire released carcinogenic asbestos material, making the site doubly dangerous. The center, called Afan Lido, was most badly damaged in the pool area, and parents have been told to keep their children far away from the center to minimize exposure to any airborne asbestos in the immediate vicinity. Previously encapsulated asbestos was exposed during the December fire, which took place in a small Welsh community. The fire is believed to be accidental, and took over 100 firefighters to extinguish.
Neath Port Talboths chief executive Steve Phillips said, “All the pool features, ceiling and fixtures have been destroyed. Previously sealed asbestos has been exposed in the pool area and the fire debris appears contaminated. Further structural assessments will take place after Christmas, when the council will have further technical information available, in order to consider the future options for the Afan Lido structure.”

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