A recent study by the Conservation Support Services (CSS) South Africa has show many communities are contaminated by asbestos.   Regions known for former mining activities showed high levels of asbestos in the community.  Reports show the mines may have been cleaned up, but the asbestos containing materials used to build homes, schools, roads, and other structures are now deteriorating and exposing the residents to deadly asbestos.

Many challenges face these communities including lack of funding for rehabilitation, scale of the problem and incidence in rural rather than urban areas.  Advocates also feel education and awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure need to increase, so that people can reduce their risk of exposure.  Researchers are hoping the study will help to bring awareness and solutions to this ongoing issue.

More information at Asbestos banned, but legacy continues