Asbestos testing has cleared 56 North Sunshine homes suspected of harbouring health risks, with the Environmental Protection Authority deeming them “safe”.
However, a Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) report found it could not “conclusively attribute the source” of small traces of non-respirable asbestos found in the roof cavities of 12 homes within 350 metres of the former Wunderlich asbestos factory.
“Unfortunately, asbestos cannot be finger- printed and traced back to its source in any way, and so it is not possible to make any conclusive comment as to the origin of the asbestos in the settled dust,” it found, adding, “although environmental sources, such as the former Wunderlich site … cannot be ruled out”.
Star Weekly understands several people in homes that were tested are long-term residents, with some either suffering from long-term health concerns or with family members who are.
No asbestos was found in the roof space dust of 35 homes beyond the boundary that were also tested.
“It is concluded that, in general, all other homes in the area of the former Wunderlich site are similarly safe,” the DHHS report noted. “These residents have been advised their homes are safe and no further action is required.”
However, DHHS has warned residents to take precautions if entering roof cavities.
“It should be noted that wearing a P1 or P2 dust mask is recommended during entry into any roof space, to protect against the full range of health hazards,” it stated.
Homes tested were selected on the basis of their age and roofing type. Tests were also conducted in living areas.
While “very small amounts of asbestos” were detected in the soil of nine properties, including asbestos chips at six of them, these were believed to be from old building materials.
DHHS has admitted investigations reveal “a terrible legacy of illness and death related to the Wunderlich asbestos factory”.
The chairman of Brimbank administrators, John Watson, said this legacy left issues remaining for people who had lived, worked or played near the Wunderlich factory while it was still operating.
He urged anyone with health concerns to contact their doctor.
