Back in the 1970s, a peculiar event unfolded in Canberra and surrounding areas. A contractor, now known as Mr. Fluffy, was engaged in installing insulation in homes using pure amosite, a form of brown asbestos. Asbestos, known for its fluffy, lightweight, and durable nature, was widely used for insulation purposes, considering its incredible heat resistance and electrical conductivity. However, the dangerous health implications of asbestos were not fully understood at this time.
Mr. Fluffy’s method involved blasting the insulation material into ceiling cavities, creating an insulating layer that was efficient, thanks to its thoroughness, but extremely dangerous. An important distinction to make here is that Mr. Fluffy’s asbestos insulation is a separate product to ‘Cool and Cozy,’ which is a similar insulating product made from shredded newspaper and a fire retardant. This product came into use post-1995, and does not contain asbestos.
As the harmful effects of asbestos became widely known, a rigorous asbestos removal program was initiated in Canberra and New South Wales during the 1990s. Homes suspected to have been insulated by Mr. Fluffy were put through decontamination processes that were stringent for their time, including tenting and vacuuming procedures, aiming to extract as much asbestos as possible.
Although it was believed the houses were decontaminated, in the early 2000s it was found that the efforts made were insufficient, as some of the homes still contained traces of the hazardous material. Asbestos, when used as blown-in insulation, permeates every nook and corner of a space, making complete removal a monumental challenge.
Upon this discovery, the authorities deemed these homes unfit for habitation. Different states approached this issue differently – in New South Wales, these houses were demolished, while in Canberra, a buyback system was established where homeowners were compensated for their houses and given first preference to buy back the land for rebuilding post-demolition.
This event illustrates the importance of proper asbestos management and removal. At Coastal Asbestos, we are committed to offering comprehensive asbestos removal services that are not only in line with current safety regulations but also incorporate learnings from past incidents like the Mr. Fluffy case.
The tale of Mr. Fluffy serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers lurking in our homes or workplaces, making expert intervention to remove harmful materials such as asbestos all the more vital. If you’re concerned about the potential presence of hidden asbestos in your home or workplace, don’t take the risk. The team at Coastal Asbestos is here to help. We specialise in professional inspections, 100% accurate lab-testing, and safe asbestos removal. What’s more, we also provide comprehensive roof cavity and roof insulation removal services. Your safety is our priority, and we are committed to providing a hazard-free environment for you and your loved ones.