Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Report highlights risk of naturally occurring asbestos in New Caledonia

Posted at 04:51 on 24 August, 2007 UTC

A new study being prepared in New Caledonia recommends that immediate steps be taken to reduce the risk posed by naturally occurring asbestos.

The territory has pockets of the asbestos in inhabited area of the mountain chain that pose a cancer risk.

The study which has been commissioned by the local government calls for action to protect the general population as well as workers.

It is being suggested that information should be made available to reduce the risk.

Between 2002 and 2005, about a thousand traditional Kanak houses were demolished after it was discovered that they were in part built out of material with a high content of asbestos.