Plymouth beaches closed after asbestos fibres found in sandThe discovery of asbestos fibres in beach sand at levels considered potentially hazardous has led to the closure of a popular beach in Plymouth and prompted a wider environmental investigation that could have implications for the management of contaminated coastal sites. Mount Batten beach was closed earlier this month after routine sampling detected asbestos fibres in most sand samples taken across the beach. While asbestos-containing debris has been washing ashore since 2019, previous risk assessments found no asbestos fibres in the sand itself. Air quality testing conducted around the peninsula since the beach closed on 10 July found no detectable airborne asbestos fibres. While asbestos fibres have been identified in beach sediments, authorities say there is currently no evidence that water users are at risk.