It is the contractor responsible for installing loose-fill asbestos in over 1000 homes in the ACT and surrounding regions. So far, one property has been identified in the Yass Valley Council area as containing the 'Mr Fluffy' brand of insulation.

Last Friday, the NSW Government launched an investigation into contamination from loose-fill asbestos in residential properties around NSW. They are providing a free testing service for residents in the Yass Valley and another 13 council areas.

WorkCover NSW plans to visit Yass for a meeting to discuss further plans to tackle the asbestos problem.

Yass Valley Council's Director of Planning and Environmental Services, Chris Berry, explained that Council is on the front foot: as of Friday August 15 notices have been sent to landowners of 8000 properties built in the 1960s and 1970s. Included in the letter is a home owner's guide and fact sheet pertaining to 'Mr Fluffy' asbestos.

"The big issue we are facing is that we don't have any records of how properties were built or the contractors that were used, so it feels a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack," Mr Berry described.

"We are attempting to find properties that contain asbestos and flagging them. This will allow us to find out the severity of the problem and keep the records for future use."

Mr Berry believes that being aware of the problem now will help alleviate any future disasters.

"The property containing 'Mr Fluffy' asbestos has been contacted and we are waiting on further advice on how to respond," said Mr Berry.

Real estate agent Michael Gray is also taking a proactive approach by contacting landlords of rental properties believed to fit into the category.

"Last month we began contacting these property owners, guided by professional consultants, to undertake inspections for asbestos. Although this is not compulsory, we are suggesting landlords undertake these inspections," Mr Gray remarked.

Minister for Finance and Services, Dominic Perrottet, has asked WorkCover NSW to contract an independent specialist to work with the NSW Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA) to help establish the scope of properties impacted.

"The NSW Government will consider the findings of the investigation and possible measures to assist affected householders," Mr Perrottet said.

The MP confirmed that free independent technical assessments will be offered to affected homeowners to advise on and confirm the adequacy of risk controls in each of the identified homes for a 12 month period.

"This is so we can verify that known loose-fill asbestos affected houses meet NSW Government current recommendations for limiting exposure, and ensure occupants in identified houses are not exposed to asbestos levels above those found in comparable housing stock of its generation," Mr Perrottet said.

The Minister said the investigation will review and assess relevant records including inspections reports, risk assessments and compliance and disposal records.

WorkCover's Acting General Manager of Work Health and Safety Division Peter Dunphy, said that while the investigation will help determine the extent of properties that may be impacted, it is important to remember that the risk of exposure to asbestos in buildings containing loose-fill asbestos is likely to be very low if the asbestos is undisturbed and sealed off.

"Sprayed asbestos insulation like loose-fill asbestos is a highly hazardous asbestos material and should not be disturbed. It requires appropriate risk controls to prevent disturbance or exposure to air-borne fibres," Mr Dunphy said.

A spokesperson from the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities, said that the NSW Government anticipates that by offering free assessments, homeowners who suspect the presence of the material will be encouraged to make contact.

While the loose-fill asbestos, in particular the insulation 'Mr Fluffy' is the most dangerous type of asbestos, bonded asbestos can still pose a threat.

"When asbestos fibres are bonded to another material, such as cement or resin binder, it is known as bonded asbestos. It cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. Common uses in buildings include: flat (fibro), corrugated or compressed asbestos-cement (AC) sheeting; water, drainage and flue pipes and floor tiles."

"If fire, hail, or illegal water blasting damages bonded asbestos, it may become friable asbestos material. A WorkCover licensed friable asbestos removalist must always carry out the removal of friable asbestos," continued the spokesperson.

Residents are encouraged to call WorkCover NSW on 131 050 to determine if they are eligible for the free testing service and how to apply.