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Asbestos found on St John's Island, more than half the island sealed. SINGAPORE - Debris containing a potentially toxic mineral was recently found on St John's Island, leading the authorities to seal off more than half of the island as a safety precaution. Traces of asbestos had been detected on April 16 in construction debris such as roof tiles around the island's campsite, lagoon and holiday bungalow area, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) announced at a media briefing on Monday. http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/asbestos-found-on-st-johns-island-more-than-half-of-the-island-sealed

http://www.tremeritus.com/2014/03/02/asbestos-found-on-china-made-trains-in-nz-australia/ Asbestos found on China-made trains in NZ & Australia March 2nd, 2014 | Author: Editorial Singapore's new Downtown Line uses trains which are made in China (Photo: LTA) The New Zealand Herald reported today (2 Mar) that asbestos found on Chinese-made trains used by KiwiRail could cost workers’ lives (‘Asbestos on Chinese-made trains could cost workers lives‘). NZ Herald reported that 40 of the NZ state-owned company’s trains were taken out of action following the discovery of the potentially deadly material in a soundproofing compound inside one of the vehicles on Friday (28 Feb). Initial tests had confirmed the asbestos was contained and not a health risk, KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy said. However, further testing will be carried out to see if the material had leaked into the air or onto surfaces of any of the trains. Many of the NZ rail workers are concerned. The NZ’s Rail and Marine Transport Union (RMTU) said the situation had left many workers fearing for their health and that of their families. Mr Wayne Butson, general secretary of RMTU, told the media: If these locos had been made in Dunedin (in NZ), or even in any other first world country, we wouldn’t be putting up with this rubbish. It’s pretty symptomatic of why most Kiwis are sceptical about anything that comes out of China. Earlier KiwiRail said the inclusion of asbestos in the trains was in breach of a contract specification which clearly stated the material should not be used. “We are clearly very disappointed with this situation and working closely with the manufacturers to understand how this could possibly have occurred. They have taken full responsibility for this and have undertaken to do whatever is necessary to rectify the situation as quickly as possible for us,” Mr Reidy said. Reporting the same news, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) revealed that the trains used by KiwiRail were made by Chinese manufacturer Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co Ltd [Link]. ABC reported that the Chinese manufacturer has since confirmed it used chrysotile, or white asbestos, in a sound-proofing compound which is either coated with paint or sealed beneath the panelling. Last November, ABC reported that 10 freight locomotives made by China Southern Rail were also pulled from service in Australia after workers were exposed to potentially deadly asbestos dust [Link]. In Singapore, the new trains plying the Downtown Line (DTL) are also made in China. A total of 73 train sets consisting of 3 cars each were purchased by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) at a cost of approximately $571 million in a public tender in 2008 (‘Made-in-China trains for Downtown Line unveiled‘). LTA had previously assured the public that the made-in-China DTL trains meet rigorous safety standards (‘LTA: Made-in-China trains meet rigorous safety standards‘). The DTL trains were manufactured in Changchun, Jilin Province of China. LTA said that the trains were assembled in China, but their components come from 8 different countries, including China (which manufactured the car body), Sweden, UK, France, Spain, the Czech Republic and Germany. The first stage of DTL or DTL1 opened in December last year, linking 6 stations from Bugis to Chinatown. It is not known if asbestos has also been used for soundproofing in the China-made DTL trains. Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and, most important of all, affordability. However, prolonged inhalation of asbestos can cause serious illnesses including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. These asbestos-related diseases will not affect people immediately but usually later on in life. The trade and use of asbestos have been restricted or banned in many countries.

Goodness.... They truely are capable of anytin.... If proven to be true... Hianz

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is monitoring a recall of approximately 23,000 Great Wall and Chery motor vehicles with engine and exhaust gaskets containing asbestos, a cancer-causing silicate minerals. Both manufacturers have been directed to stop selling the affected vehicles, and consumers are advised not to perform do-it-yourself maintenance that might disturb these gaskets. "All affected consumers will be contacted directly by Great Wall and Chery. In addition, they will provide training, warning stickers and safety advice to repairers. The ACCC will monitor the recall and Workplace Health and Safety Authorities will monitor the workplace safety issues," Said Ms Delia Richard, ACCC deputy chair. A Chery spokesman commented that the automaker made a mistake by building the cars with a batch of parts that were not intended for use in export cars. However, an Australian public affairs official indicated that the recall affects a large portion of the vehicles imported by the two manufacturers. I shall leave it to the readers to decide if it is an honest mistake. Models affected by the recall include the Chery J11 and J3 (below) as well as the Great Wall SA220, V240, X240, V200 and X200 (above). Australia was the testing ground for Chinese carmakers looking to enter larger markets and the recall has dealt a blow to those ambitions. The incident also raises concerns about the quality and safety of products made in China, which has struggled with repeated health scares that include excessive lead found in toys and melamine-tainted milk.

Looking for AGM batteries. It is those deep cycle type for golf carts etc use. Anyone has details on which shop selling at a good price?