Preventing Environmental Mesothelioma: A Battle Against the Past

When it comes to environmental meso thelioma, the battle isn’t just about medical advancements—it’s about undoing decades of environmental contamination. Many communities in South Africa are still grappling with the deadly legacy of asbestos mining and milling. From asbestos-laden roads to entire homes built with hazardous materials, the scale of contamination is staggering.

This post dives into the two-pronged strategy needed to tackle environmental mesothelioma: rehabilitating polluted areas and educating affected communities. If we don’t act fast, countless more people could develop mesothelioma just from where they live.

The Scale of Asbestos Contamination in South Africa

South Africa was once one of the world’s top producers of asbestos, exporting the material globally. But what was once considered a “miracle mineral” for construction and industry is now infamous for its lethal impact.

How Bad Is It?

• Millions of tons of asbestos waste were left behind in old mining areas.
• Entire communities unknowingly used asbestos for construction, from bricks to plaster to road surfaces.
• Dangerous fibers continue to circulate in the air, especially in arid and windy regions like the Northern Cape.

The result? People with no occupational exposure—children, teachers, and residents—are getting mesothelioma just from being in these areas.

How Did We Get Here?

Let’s take a closer look at what happened in some of South Africa’s most affected asbestos mining regions.

Mafefe: A Hidden Disaster

Mafefe, a densely populated area with 12,000 residents, is built on asbestos contamination. Here’s how it happened:

• Nine asbestos mills operated in the region.
• Local villagers were never informed about the health risks of asbestos.
• Abandoned dumps became a source of free building material.
  • Asbestos waste was mixed with cement to make bricks.
  • Homes and public buildings were plastered with asbestos-rich clay.
  • The surrounding soil became contaminated with asbestos dust.

By 1987, a random health survey of 389 residents found that 34% showed signs of asbestos-related diseases.

Kuruman and Prieska: Living with Asbestos

In Kuruman, asbestos mine dumps are part of the landscape. Here’s what happened:

• Crocidolite (blue asbestos) tailings were used to make bricks.
• Houses, schools, and roads were built with asbestos-laced materials.
• A persistent blue haze covered towns like Prieska, where the local mill operated in the center of town.
• Even the Prieska golf course had greens made of rolled blue asbestos!
• At a local school, asbestos was used in the long jump pit—kids landed in cancer-causing dust.

At the peak of mining, personal accounts described asbestos fluff collecting in homes and settling in thick mats inside ceilings. Transporting the material was also a hazard—Hessian sacks were used until the 1980s, allowing asbestos fibers to escape into the environment.

The Fight to Fix the Problem

As horrifying as this legacy is, efforts are being made to clean up these contaminated areas. But is it enough?

Government Response

• The South African government has spent 44 million rand on asbestos rehabilitation.
• An estimated 52 million rand more is needed to complete cleanup efforts.
• Companies responsible for the pollution have contributed less than 5% of cleanup costs.

Although some rehabilitation has taken place, much of it has been slow, and for many communities, it’s still too little, too late.

Pomfret: A Ghost Town with a Deadly Past

Pomfret, another asbestos mining town, shows how asbestos contamination can persist even after cleanup efforts:

• When the mine closed, the entire town—including its massive asbestos dumps—was bought by the government.
• The area housed military personnel and their families until as recently as 1998.
• The dumps were “rehabilitated” by covering them with soil and planting vegetation.
• However, due to high traffic and dry conditions, asbestos fibers are once again being exposed to the air.

This highlights a recurring issue: short-term fixes don’t work if asbestos isn’t removed properly.

Educating Communities: The Key to Prevention

Cleaning up asbestos-contaminated regions is crucial, but people also need to understand the dangers of asbestos exposure. Many residents still don’t realize the risks of asbestos or how they might be exposed.

Why Awareness Matters

• Many affected communities continue to use asbestos waste for construction.
• Without education, children are still playing in contaminated areas.
• Asbestos removal needs to be done correctly—disturbing asbestos without proper precautions can release deadly fibers into the air.

Government efforts must include education campaigns, especially in regions where asbestos waste is still present.

Lessons from Other Countries

South Africa isn’t the only country dealing with asbestos-related disasters. Other nations have faced similar challenges and can offer valuable lessons.

Australia: The Wittenoom Disaster

Wittenoom, once a major crocidolite mining town in Australia, is now completely abandoned due to extreme asbestos contamination.

• The Australian government completely shut down the town and banned people from entering the area.
• No one is allowed to live there, and all former residents were relocated.
• Unlike South Africa, Australia offered financial compensation to affected residents.

Could South Africa do the same?

The Way Forward: What Needs to Be Done

Here’s what South Africa needs to do right now to prevent more cases of environmental mesothelioma:

1. Fully Clean Up Contaminated Sites

• Mine dumps must be removed, not just covered with soil.
• Asbestos-contaminated roads, homes, and buildings need proper remediation.
• High-risk areas should be sealed off until they’re safe.

2. Make Polluters Pay

• Companies that profited from asbestos mining should be held financially responsible for cleanup costs.
• The government needs stronger laws to enforce corporate accountability.

3. Compensate Environmental Victims

• Right now, only occupational exposure victims can receive compensation.
• People with environmental exposure should also have access to financial support.

4. Launch a Nationwide Education Campaign

• Inform communities about the dangers of asbestos.
• Train workers to safely handle and remove asbestos.
• Prevent new generations from making the same mistakes with asbestos waste.

Final Thoughts

South Africa’s asbestos problem isn’t just a historical issue—it’s an ongoing crisis. While efforts have been made to clean up contaminated regions, the job isn’t done. Communities continue to suffer from asbestos exposure, and without proper action, mesothelioma cases will keep rising for decades.

It’s time to prioritize people over profit, clean up asbestos-contaminated areas, and ensure that victims receive the justice and support they deserve.