Hong Kong government ‘did not protect public housing tenants, workers from hazardous materials’

A Legislative Council panel has called the behaviour of the Hong Kong government’s Housing Department “inexcusable”, saying it failed to protect public housing tenants and workers from potentially hazardous materials found in estates.

Asbestos, a natural mineral used in construction materials, has been banned since 1984, but is still present in 21 housing estates built before then. It is a known carcinogen, linked to mesothelioma cancer, which develops in the lining of lungs or the abdomen, says the National Cancer Institute in the United States.

But the Housing Authority said most of the asbestos materials had been removed over the years. Remnants could be found in balcony grilles, staircases and lift lobby grilles – however, these do not pose any health risks unless the materials are broken or damaged.

The Legco Public Accounts Committee report, released on Wednesday, said an examination revealed warning labels were not properly used at all sites, even though they were required under Environmental Protection Department guidelines. Labels were found on balconies while staircases and lobbies were neglected.

“The committee finds it appalling and inexcusable that the Housing Department has not taken adequate and effective safeguards to protect tenants, workers and users of the premises from the potential hazards of carcinogenic asbestos-containing materials in public rental housing estates,” it said. The department is working to affix new warning labels to all sites, the report noted.