Japan's earthquake and tsunami has caused a health risk overshadowed by contamination from a leaking nuclear plant: the odourless and nearly invisible threat of asbestos. Activists have found the cancer-causing, fibrous material in the air and debris collected from the devastated northeastern coast.
Levels in the air remain within Japan's safety range but are expected to rise significantly once cranes and cleanup crews begin their work in earnest, scraping and shaking loose the minuscule, white fibres from insulation and fireproofing layers.
Local officials are overwhelmed by the aftermath of Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami, including the swamped nuclear reactor that has leaked radiation as engineers struggle to restore its cooling systems. (read more)
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