Asbestos-containing material washing up on some east Auckland beaches
Auckland Council is aware that pieces of asbestos-containing material (ACM) have been washing up along Auckland’s eastern coastline. While the risk posed to the public is low, the council is taking all necessary precautions and removing the material from affected beaches.
The largest amounts of ACM have been found at Glendowie Bay and, to a lesser extent, neighbouring Karaka Bay. Very small amounts have also been found further up the Tāmaki River towards Panmure.
Signage is in place at Glendowie and Karaka Bay and the council has conducted several clean-ups to remove the material from these beaches.
Manager of Licensing & Environmental Health, Mervyn Chetty, says there is no need for the public to avoid beaches where ACM is present, but if material is spotted it should be left undisturbed and reported to healthenforcement@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or by phoning 09 301 0101.
“We are asking people to take a common-sense approach and to simply leave ACM alone for the council to collect. Dogs and children should also be prevented from picking up the material,” he says.
Health risk low
The recent washed-up pieces of ACM are 5 -10cm pieces of fibre cement board, likely to be from historic construction waste. Asbestos in this form is considered non-friable, meaning it cannot be broken up and inhaled under normal circumstances.
Health New Zealand Medical Officer of Health, Dr David Sinclair, says the riskiest situation is where dust is being generated from Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) being cut or damaged.
“In outdoor settings such as the affected beaches, we’d expect the level of asbestos dust to be minimal, especially when the material is below the high tide mark and damp. However, people should inform Auckland Council if they find ACM so it can be removed, and not disturb the ACM pieces or collect them.”
Further health advice on asbestos containing materials is available on the Health New Zealand website.
Source still a mystery
Pinpointing the source of ACM material is difficult, says Mervyn Chetty, especially given the likely age of the material and ability for it to have moved over time.
“Unfortunately, waste disposal practices were not always what they are today. The ACM we’re finding now is likely to be decades-old construction waste that was dumped near the shoreline, which over time has fragmented and dispersed along beaches due to natural processes like tides and weather.”
The council has not identified a likely single source of the material but is continuing to conduct investigations. If any members of the public have information that would assist, they are encouraged to report this to healthenforcement@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
In addition to responding to reports of ACM, the council will continue to inspect and monitor beaches in the area to determine the scale of the issue. Regular clean-ups will be carried out and signage erected at sites where pieces of ACM are more commonly being found.
While it is likely that these fragments are historic deposits, it is also a good reminder to Aucklanders to responsibly secure and dispose of construction and household waste, as these can end up making their way to waterways and beaches, particularly following storm events.
We thank the community for their cooperation as we work to manage this issue responsibly.
For further updates, check back here on OurAuckland.
Asbestos FAQs
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of fine, durable fibres. It was widely used in construction materials in New Zealand between the 1940s and mid-1980s due to its fire resistance, insulation properties, and strength. It was phased out in construction materials during the late 1980s and banned completely from importation in 2016.
What is the difference between asbestos and ACM?
Asbestos refers to the mineral itself, while ACM stands for asbestos-containing Material, which means any material or product that contains more than 1 per cent asbestos. For example, insulation boards, vinyl flooring, or roofing tiles may be ACMs as they contain asbestos mixed with other materials.
Is all asbestos or ACM dangerous?
Asbestos is considered a health hazard when it is “friable”. That means that it can easily be broken up or crumbled by hand when dry, and the fibres can therefore be inhaled into the lungs. Generally, ACM is non-friable as it is mixed with other hard materials like cement or resin, making it more stable.
Most asbestos found in construction materials in New Zealand is in the less hazardous ACM form, however pure asbestos may be found in places like pipe insulation or sprayed-on ceiling coatings. Even in this form, the material would only become hazardous if broken up or damaged.
What are the health risks associated with asbestos?
Inhaling significant amounts of airborne asbestos can lead to respiratory problems, including lung cancer, with greater levels of exposure over longer periods of time leading to increased risk. Those most likely to be affected are people who work regularly with asbestos or are exposed to it during construction, renovation, or demolition work.
Are schools being advised to stay away from beaches?
The council has not advised any schools to avoid beaches containing ACM. The council has advised the Ministry of Education of the issue, and they have informed schools so that they can make their own decision.
