Episode 50: Wittenoom, Australia's Chernobyl
Aug 23, 2021•49 min•Ep. 50
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Episode description
Asbestos has been a known health issue for decades, especially for the workers who work in the mines worldwide. Even as health issues were coming to light in the 50s and 60s from the medical community, workers were often left in the dark about the health dangers due to information suppression by the companies and government agencies that owned and regulated the mines. This week, Matt and Carolanne dive into the tragedy of Wittenoom, a small mining town considered "Australia's Chernobyl" because of the long-lasting effects asbestos has left for the residents.
Our Linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused
This week's booze of choice: Makers Mark & The Finnish Long Drink
Sources:
- https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/worldwide/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/mesothelioma/prognosis
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wittenoom,_Western_Australia
- https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/wittenoom_transcript.pdf
- https://www.australianasbestosnetwork.org.au/asbestos-history/asbestos-wittenoom/closure-wittenoom/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-44816907
- https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/mar/21/final-wittenoom-residents-to-be-forced-out-of-asbestos-ridden-mining-town
- https://www.asbestos.com/jobsites/libby/
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