Troops exposed to asbestos

Hundreds of soldiers were exposed to asbestos in urban warfare training at an old freezing works south of Palmerston North because the Army was not told about the problem, a court of inquiry has found.

The Longburn works were used for exercises three or four times a year for about 10 years. The asbestos danger was revealed after a fire in March 2007. Manawatu District Council ordered the owner, Ken Thurston, to demolish the building but the Army did not learn of the asbestos until last July when it was reported that he had not complied with the order.

An Army investigation concluded Mr Thurston did not make sure the Army knew of the risk and 10 exercises were held after the fire.