Top Environment Disasters that Affected Australia in History
Think of manmade disasters and you will likely recall the places and names that are generally far-flung from Australia such as Bhopal, Fukushima, and Chornobyl. While those big-scale tragedies made their way into the history books, some small ones left their impressions on the locals.
Here, let’s take a look at some historic environmental disasters that affected the environment and community in Australia.
British Nuclear Tests at Maralinga
From 1956 to 1963, the British Military directed 2 big nuclear tests and lots of minor trials in Maralinga, a remote place in South Australia. And, hazards caused by radiation persist in the area despite attempts to clean up the area made twice in 1967 and 2000, costing the government 108 million dollars. However, social disintegration has continuously affected the Maralinga communities, causing resettlement and displacement due to the testing.
Botany Bay Groundwater Plume
In 1940, a factory of Imperial Chemical Industries in Botany Bay used to make industrial paints, plastics, and chemicals. Several litres of toxic chemicals got leaked into the local aquifer via sandy soil that the local industry and Botany Bay residents used as a water source.
Mr Fluffy Asbestos Contamination in Canberra
During the ‘60s and ’70s, a Canberra company known as Mr fluffy blew some loose asbestos in the homes’ roofs for insulation. They also sold asbestos sacks to homeowners for the same purpose. This loose-fill asbestos does not have bonding agents and moves to the living spaces of homes, causing a variety of deadly diseases.
While asbestos was banned quite a few decades ago, its dangers still lurk around. So, if you detect any presence, you should contact professionals for asbestos testing in Newcastle first.
