No PNG policy yet on deadly asbestos

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Updated October 26, 2009 09:39:07

Papua New Guinea is still without a national policy on the use of building materials containing hazardous asbestos. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to the development of a number of cancers and lung disorders, and most developed countries have moved to ban it completely.

PNG's acting Health Secretary, Dr Taison Dakulala, says they are working on a national policy, and has advised builders to stop using asbestos materials immediately. It follows concerns from the PNG Medical Society that thousands of people in the country could be exposed to asbestos from low-cost fibro building materials commonly used in the past.

Presenter: Sam Seke
Speaker: Dr Taison Dakulala, PNG's acting Health Secretary

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