Seven more Sydney schools to be tested for asbestos - 9News

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said there was no evidence of asbestos contamination at any of the schools, but the testing was precautionary.

"Schools have made individual risk assessments based on the amount of mulch on-site, with the majority remaining open and one school choosing to close," the EPA said in a release.

"Those that remain open are advised to keep students and staff away from garden beds in and around the school sites, and to expect to see EPA officers on the ground throughout the day."

The contaminated mulch has made its way to private homes, the owners of some of which have been identified and notified as further testing is carried out. (9News)

The EPA said 90 per cent of tested sites had returned a "negative or clean" result.

But 24 sites so far have been contaminated for bonded asbestos, and one site for friable asbestos.

NSW Health says bonded asbestos poses a low risk to public health.

"Asbestos causes health damage if you breathe it in, if asbestos appears in the environment...if it's bonded and not disturbed...the risk remains low, but it is important to have a precautionary approach," Dr Jeremy McAnulty from NSW Health said.

The schools being tested have received mulch from the same manufacturer that supplied to the 25 positive-testing sites.

The EPA will conduct inspections at the following schools:

• Allambie Heights Public School in Allambie Heights
• International Grammar School in Ultimo
• Mt Annan Christian College in Mt Annan
• North Sydney Public School in North Sydney
• Penrith Christian School in Orchard Hills
• St Luke's Catholic College in Marsden Park (Closed today).
• Westmead Christian Grammar in Westmead

Sections of concern have been roped off with some schools able to continue teaching on campus today, NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said while addressing the media. 

"It's situations like this that we rely on the expert advice...the EPA and the health department have been working closely with us in the education sector," Dizdar said.

"There will be testing occurring on their sites today, we worked...to corner off certain sections of those schools...as an added precaution, while we were able to opperate many of those sites today

"The best place for our children is to be in classrooms where the magic happens with teaching and learning." 

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Concerned parents are advised to contact their children's school directly for up-to-date information.

The EPA also confirmed bonded asbestos had been detected at St John of God Hospital in North Richmond, Woolworths at Kellyville, and a Transport for NSW park at Wiley Park.

Dizadar also confirmed that the removal of asbestos-contaminated mulch is underway at Liverpool West Public School, the first school to test positive for the material.

Visit the EPA website for the latest updates. People concerned about mulch they recently received are urged to contact the EPA.

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2024-02-16 05:56:08Z
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