Simple test points finger to West End dust
![Resident Roger Higgins administers the one-finger test in Hedland's West End.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/YA-102543/b88117664z.1_20160428175259_000_gu9h2eah.1_1-1bi3npc.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Those confused about where the dust in Hedland’s West End comes from should try a one-finger test, according to a local businessman.
After a recent State Government report found West End residents’ health could be at risk from long-term exposure to high concentrations of dust, community debate has intensified about who and what is causing the dust to escape into the air.
Pilbara MP Brendon Grylls blames industry users at Port Hedland Port, while the State Government report claimed large amounts of natural dust from Hedland’s desert environment were contributing to the problem.
But West End business owner Roger Higgins said locals can now rest easy.
He has devised a “common-sense”, one-finger test to let people work out for themselves where the dust is coming from.
Mr Higgins said locals simply needed to don a white surgical glove and run a finger along different objects in the West End.
He suggested testers conduct focus on Anderson Street, near the car yards, the phone box at the old hospital site and any seaward ledge at the yacht club.
“Look at the quality of the dust and the quantity on your fingers,” he said.
“I bet you would find the quantity, quality and colour is completely different (in each location) and just use your common sense to conclude from that which area has the greatest dust (concentration) in Port Hedland.”
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