Canberra asbestos homes need federal help

The toxic fingers of Mr Fluffy have forced some Canberrans from their contaminated homes as governments decide how to remove deadly asbestos.

About 1000 Canberra houses had loose-fill asbestos installed by insulation company Mr Fluffy up to 40 years ago.

While a $100 million federal government program removed the toxic material between 1989 and 1993, residual fibres have since been discovered in some of the homes.

Now some residents are facing the dual prospect of having their homes demolished while facing long-term health risks.

"I'm in the middle of tests for mesothelioma at the moment; it's pretty scary," Karen Rush told the ABC.

She bought her house in 1994 after it was supposedly cleared of Mr Fluffy asbestos, but a recent assessment found remnant asbestos fibres in the walls and sub-floor.

Ms Rush and her daughter lived in the house while it was being renovated.

"We lived grossly in amongst that grey stuff," she said.

The ACT government has set up a dedicated taskforce to provide affected residents with practical assistance and advice.

But the government and opposition believe liability lies with the Commonwealth because it ran the territory at the time Mr Fluffy operated.

ACT opposition leader Jeremy Hanson insists action is needed now and has called on the ACT government to set up a $5 million emergency fund.

Liberal senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja, has raised the matter several times with his federal government colleagues.

A spokeswoman told AAP the senator thinks there could be a role for the Commonwealth.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz has been contacted for comment.

ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell likens "Mr Fluffy" home owners to those who've lost houses in flood or fire.

"Like an advancing tide that is engulfing homes and families one at a time, there is a sense of loss, uncertainty, financial hardship and overwhelming concern about their financial and physical wellbeing," he said on Wednesday.

It's not known how many houses are still affected.

A spokeswoman for Senator Abetz later told AAP federal officials were working closely with the ACT government to provide technical expertise and support.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/aap/article-2668839/Canberra-asbestos-homes-need-federal-help.html#ixzz35hZV47Yd
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