Inside ‘world’s most dangerous town’ that was removed from maps because just breathing could kill you
Australia is home to a ghost town which was closed after people starting dying from breathing in its air.
In 1943, mining began in Wittenoom, a remote town in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia, located 1,100km north of Perth.
However, in the 60s mining operations began closing and the town was discovered to be so dangerous it was wiped from official maps in the early 2000's with local authorities continuing to speak out in warning, urging people not to visit.
Asbestos mining
The mining which commenced in 40s was for blue asbestos - a heat and fire-resistant sodium-rich mineral commonly used in building materials such as roofing or flooring or car parts.
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A company town was built to support the mining work and families flocked to live there, with a reported total of 20,000 people having lived in the town or nearby.
However, not long after the mining began, asbestos' profitability decreased and people became increasingly aware of the hazardous nature of asbestos, with the mines closing and many people relocating.
But what's so lethal about the area?
The health risks
It was discovered that inhaling asbestos fibres can be linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Penn Medicine explains asbestos exposure can happen in two 'main' ways. First, by 'breathing the toxic particles in' or 'by accidentally swallowing (ingesting) them'.
"These two types of exposure are associated with different types of asbestos. All asbestos exposure is dangerous," it adds.
It continues: "If you inhale or accidentally swallow asbestos, the microscopic fibers can get stuck in your lungs and stay there for years. Over time, they cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to cancer."
Symptoms of asbestos exposure don't typically appear immediately, but early signs can 'include vague symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath'.
It warns: "Because symptoms are commonly associated with less serious conditions, many people don't seek medical attention right away. [...] Cancer or disease caused by asbestos exposure can take a long time to develop -anywhere from 20 to 50 years."
Indeed, over 2,000 people are reported as having passed away as a result asbestos exposure from Wittenoom and the number is still rising, Aussie Towns states.
Continued warnings
In a 2011 release, the Government of Western Australia refers to the town as 'the greatest occupational health and safety tragedy in Australia' and even compares it to the 'Chernobyl and Bhopal catastrophes'.
The town was wiped off Western Australian maps in 2007 and warnings prevail about visiting it.
The government's official advice is: "STAY SAFE. DO NOT TRAVEL TO WITTENOOM."
Poppy Bilderbeck