ANU releases Mr Fluffy health survey results

Some people who responded to the survey have experienced high levels of psychological distress and health concerns. The ANU has released the third report of its ACT Asbestos Health Study which examined the health concerns of people who have lived in a house with loose-fill asbestos insulation. The report found one in three people had seen a health professional to manage their mental or physical health specifically related to living in a house with loose-fill asbestos. The report is based on surveys of 363 residents who recently lived in a so-called Mr Fluffy house, along with 204 people who had lived in these houses at some time in the past. The survey, conducted between May and July 2016, found almost three quarters (72 per cent) of recent residents were concerned about their health from living in a Mr Fluffy house. Study co-author Associate Professor Phil Batterham said the results found up to date information was a key to lowering the levels of stress and anxiety for people who have lived in a Mr Fluffy house. "Some people who responded to the survey have experienced high levels of psychological distress and health concerns," said Associate Professor Batterham, Acting Head of the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research.