The descendants of the man who started Canberra’s original Asbestosfluf insulation business, which subsequently became Mr Fluffy, have expressed their deep sympathy for the more than 1000 families affected by remnant asbestos in their homes.
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But the descendants have also appealed for privacy amid the huge social and political ramifications of the Mr Fluffy asbestos legacy.
Dirk Jansen was the original proprietor of Canberra Asbestosfluf and imported loose amosite asbestos from South Africa which he installed as roof insulation during the 1960s and 1970s.
Mr Jansen ran the business from his Lyons home, but a family spokesman said he sold it after several years to a friend where it became known as Mr Fluffy.
Both men have since died - Mr Jansen in 2001.
Despite rumours that he died from mesothelioma, the spokesman said Mr Jansen suffered from Alzheimer’s and died in a nursing home from a heart attack.
He had eight children with his older sons helping their father install the asbestos in some locations.
The spokesman said the descendants wished to convey their “deep and genuine concern for those affected as a consequence of the insulation regime of that time''.
No legal case was ever brought against the family and the use of amosite asbestos was not banned in Australia until 1989.
The spokesman said that descendants “fully support every endeavour to be undertaken by the relevant government authorities and affected parties to achieve the best possible outcome for persons who may have been affected by this process.’’
The family did not wish to make any further public statement on the matter and requested their privacy be respected.
