CONCERNS over the prospect of homes riddled with a deadly asbestos have prompted Wagga residents to take up free testing under a state government blitz.
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WorkCover wrote to Wagga City Council (WWCC), along with 13 others, in the belief a loose-fill asbestos was potentially used in local homes built across the 1960s and 70s.
The Canberra-based company, Mr Fluffy, insulated more than 1000 homes in the ACT with the deadly loose-fill asbestos.
WorkCover has since offered free testing under an independent investigation rolled out last month.
"A total of 45 inquiries from residents within the Wagga local government area have been received over the past four weeks regarding registration for the free sampling service," a WorkCover NSW spokesperson said.
"Testing will commence following verification of individual properties with the relevant local council."
Figures remain unclear on how many homes could be affected.
"It is not known how many properties in NSW have this type of insulation," the spokesperson said.
"Anecdotal evidence suggests Mr Fluffy may have been operating in 20 LGAs.
"However, sampling programs conducted between 1989 and 2009, identified 13 properties in the Queanbeyan and surrounding areas as containing asbestos material installed by Mr Fluffy.
"In response to community concerns, the NSW Government launched an independent investigation in August to establish the number of residential properties with ceiling insulation that may contain loose-filled asbestos material.
"This investigation remains ongoing."
The spokesperson confirmed the independent specialist was working with the NSW Heads of Asbestos Co-ordination Authorities (HACA) to establish the scope of properties impacted.
"The investigation will review and assess relevant records including inspection reports, risk assessments and compliance and disposal records," the spokesperson said.
"Eligible residents with homes built prior to 1980 with suspected loose-fill asbestos and that are situated within the impacted local government areas, can apply for the free testing service."
WorkCover NSW will continue to fund the project throughout 2015 and 2016 to support and assist councils in adopting and implementing the Model Asbestos Policy across the state.
