Fifty-six homes tested by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) for asbestos in Sunshine North have been assessed as safe.
Tests were conducted on living areas (indoor air), and samples of roof dust and soil from gardens.
Results have been conveyed to all residents whose homes were tested and presented to the community at an open house today.
Indoor air tests for asbestos were found to be safe.
Results showed very small amounts of non-respirable asbestos in the settled dust in roof spaces of 12 homes near the old factory site. These residents have been advised their homes are safe and no further action is required.
Small amounts of asbestos detected in the soil of nine homes are likely to be from old building materials. These residents have been advised that there is no risk of asbestos exposure.
All testing complies with Australian and international standards, and was conducted in laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities.
Some samples were tested in Melbourne while others were sent to the USA for further and more sensitive analysis. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) conducted on the samples in the USA is recognised as world best practice.
The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) convened to advise the Chief Health Officer is satisfied that the investigation has been conducted thoroughly. The EAG also agree with the findings that there is negligible risk to current residents and that the investigation is complete.
The EAG was chaired by Department of Health Chief Clinical Advisor for Cancer, Professor Bob Thomas, and included experts in respiratory health, occupational health, epidemiology, clinical care and public health.