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Asbestos

Suspicious packages sent to US consulate and more foreign offices prompt asbestos scare

Ashley May
USA TODAY

Multiple foreign offices in Australia have reportedly received suspicious packages, some allegedly containing asbestos, according to local media. 

The Australian Federal Police said in a statement that emergency services were examining suspicious packages delivered to embassies and consulates in Canberra and Melbourne on Wednesday. No further details were provided, as the incidents were being investigated. 

Emergency crews were dispatched to consulates in Melbourne of the United States, Greece, France, Italy, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Spain, South Korea and Switzerland, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports. Staff was evacuated. 

Two days earlier, an Argentinian consulate in Sydney was sent three bags containing asbestos and fiberglass, ABC reports. Asbestos is a toxic mineral that can cause cancer and other serious health problems. 

Some staff reported the latest packages also appeared to contain asbestos, Al-Jazeera reports. 

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A man wearing hazardous materials suit is seen exiting the building where the South Korean consulate is located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on Wednesday. Staff have been evacuated as emergency crews respond to a number of incidents involving foreign consulates in Melbourne.

 

 

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