Residents living near Orange in western New South Wales are seeking further investigation into dust from four unsealed roads after concerns were raised about the possible presence of naturally occurring asbestos.

The residents want Orange City Council to arrange testing to determine whether road dust contains asbestos-related minerals. The issue has attracted attention because naturally occurring asbestos can be present in some rocks and soil, and disturbing those materials may release fibres into the air.

The concerns have been raised by residents living near the affected roads, where vehicles travelling over unsealed surfaces can generate dust. During dry weather, dust may spread beyond the road and reach nearby properties, gardens and outdoor areas.

Residents are particularly concerned about the potential health implications of repeated exposure. Asbestos fibres can pose serious health risks when inhaled, especially where exposure occurs over an extended period. However, the presence of naturally occurring asbestos in a region does not automatically mean that every dust cloud contains dangerous fibres. Testing is needed to establish whether asbestos is present and whether any exposure risk exists.

According to reporting published on Wednesday, residents' lawyers wrote to Orange City Council in September requesting that the issue be investigated. Their concerns refer to government mapping that identifies areas where naturally occurring asbestos may occur.

The requested testing would help establish whether dust from the four roads contains asbestos and whether further investigation or management measures are necessary. Without reliable sampling and laboratory analysis, residents cannot determine the actual composition of the dust.

Unsealed roads are common in regional Australia, particularly in rural areas where they provide access to homes, farms and other properties. They can create dust during dry conditions, but the discovery of potentially hazardous minerals requires a different level of assessment from ordinary road-dust management.

If testing identifies asbestos-containing material, authorities may need to consider appropriate measures to reduce disturbance and minimise exposure. These could include specialist advice, dust management and monitoring, depending on the results and the characteristics of the material.

Residents are seeking clear information about the risks and the steps the council may take. For people living close to the affected roads, reliable testing could help replace uncertainty with evidence and guide any necessary action.

The matter also highlights the importance of local authorities responding to environmental health concerns in regional communities. Scientific testing, transparent communication and appropriate safety procedures will be important in determining what action is required.

At this stage, the reported concern is a request for investigation, not confirmation that the four roads contain hazardous asbestos dust.