Beach closed again after asbestos found in sand
A beach has been closed after asbestos was discovered for the second time.
The sand at Mount Batten beach in Plymouth contains “high levels of asbestos fibers” that could pose a health risk, Plymouth City Council said.
Asbestos fibers were found in 14 of the 16 sand samples taken, so the beach will remain closed “until further notice” while inspections and tests are carried out, the official said.
Prof Steve Maddern, Plymouth’s director of public health, said “the latest sand samples are worrying and we must prioritize the safety of the public.”
There was a small amount of asbestos first found on the site in April 2019.
The council said it was found in one of 16 sand samples.
It was stated that a total of 500 kg of asbestos-containing material, such as small pebbles or rocks, was collected from the beach in 2019 and continues to be collected every two months.
It was stated that due to the low levels of asbestos fibers found seven years ago, the beach felt safe as long as signage remained in place to warn beachgoers.
But the company said: “A recent review of the risk assessment showed that the volume of asbestos material collected from the beach since 2019 has not decreased over time.”
‘Risk to health’
Plymouth City Council said: “Repeated sand sampling over recent weeks found asbestos fibers in 14 of 16 sand samples, with two types of asbestos present and at levels deemed ‘hazardous waste’ by the contactor.”
“These fibers pose a health risk when inhaled.”
He said asbestos had previously been used in building construction and was only harmful to health if it deteriorated and the fibers were released into the air.
The UK Health Safety Agency said: “All types of asbestos fibers are dangerous because they can cause cancer if inhaled.”
Maddern said the risk of airborne fiber was accessible and urged people to avoid areas marked with signs and fences.
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