Despite the State Government stating that proper regulations were taken to clean up asbestos after Cyclone Seroja, the Asbestos Diseases Society has fears there may still be contamination in the air and soil.

Seroja hit Kalbarri WA in 2021, and caused immense damage to Kalbarri where existing asbestos in fences and buildings was spread.

ADS CEO Melita Markey said even though the government performed a range of tests and clean-ups to remove asbestos, it’s difficult to ensure that no contamination exists.

“The challenge with air testing is that the fibres that lodge in our lungs aren’t picked up because they’re too small,” she said.

“The other challenge is that it can be mixed up with the other dust particles in the area.”

Press PLAY to hear more about worries of asbestos contamination in Kalbarri and surrounding areas

The State Government said in a statement “DFES established an Asbestos Risk Management Division to co-ordinate a multi-agency response to remove and dispose of damaged asbestos cement materials in both Kalbarri and Northampton.”

Image: Getty/Yvonne McKenzie