Asbestos was a long-time popular substance that could be used in various applications. Although many people have believed that it could be harmful for some time, the consensus among scientists regarding the health risks it poses was formulated recently.
In the past, asbestos import usage, sale, distribution and manufacturing, and importing were previously prohibited with a few exceptions. The ban on asbestos use in Canada was first introduced during the mid-to the late 1970s. The use and sale of Asbestos within Canada were previously controlled by authorities of the Federal Government.
In 2018 The Canadian government of Canada declared the banning of Asbestos and asbestos-containing items. While it was effectively removed from the market in new Canadian products, Asbestos can be present in various locations, especially in older construction materials.
If you’re concerned about the possible presence that Asbestos may be present in your house, this guide will outline the circumstances that warrant an asbestos test and the best way to proceed.
When to Hire Asbestos Testing Services
Suppose you’re planning to embark on the process of demolition or renovation within an old home or structure. In that case, it’s ideal to locate an asbestos testing service that is certified to conduct a thorough examination of the area before beginning work. If you have an old building or home that has suffered a flood or fire that caused damage, know whether Asbestos is present before the remediation works begin crucially.
Building materials that are believed to have Asbestos in them could cause asbestos fibers to be exposed to those in the area of work since the suspect building material could emit asbestos-containing fibers into the air. If you suspect Asbestos in a product, do not disturb the material yourself.
The best method to lower your exposure risk is to engage asbestos removal specialists or contractors before demolition or renovation work starts. They can take samples of the material to determine the type of Asbestos and then remove it without risk.
Which Materials Contain Asbestos?
As a guideline, the more old a structure is more likely, it will contain Asbestos of some kind since it was slowly removed from use before the ban.
In the homes of Canada, there are many instances of Asbestos within the following locations:
Drywall Joint Compound
Asbestos fibers were incorporated into the drywall mud. The plaster was then applied to the joints, seams, and corners of the drywall.
Vermiculite Insulation
This flimsy, low-density insulation is often found in attics of houses built before 2000 since Asbestos was a trendy part of the material. It is an asbestos-related source of contamination.
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Ceiling Tiles
There are a variety of flooring and ceiling tiles made of vinyl, along with their adhesives were once made using Asbestos as a significant ingredient.
Boiler, Pipe, and Duct Insulation
Since Asbestos is flame-retardant and sound insulation, it was frequently used to create pipe wraps and duct wraps.
Popcorn Ceilings and Ceiling Texture Coat
Sometimes referred to as stippled ceilings or textured ceilings, This surface was once an integral part of offices and homes. Although not all popcorn ceilings are asbestos-free, Vermiculite insulation was often employed in the construction process, and therefore they must be considered a cause of Asbestos.
This list isn’t comprehensive, as numerous other materials in the home could contain Asbestos.
Standard Methods of Asbestos Exposure
Suppose, left unattended, in a sealed area, and in good working order, Products with Asbestos present minimal risk. The danger is present in instances where asbestos fibers release into the air as they can easily be breathed in and cause serious health issues, ranging from irritation to the lungs up to lung cancer.
Asbestos fibers can be airborne through:
- Removal or disturbance of old attic insulation pipe wraps, pipe wraps, and duct wraps
- Breaking, scraping, or sanding old ceiling or floor tiles.
- Removal or removal of old roofing shingles or other roofing materials
- Sawing, sanding, drilling, or tearing up old plaster
Who Can Perform an Asbestos Test?
While anyone can collect an amount of material, it’s best left to professionals with experience. The process of sampling for Asbestos is thought to be low-risk for exposure. The appropriate tools and equipment and hiring experienced staff to take the samples are the most secure and most effective asbestos sample collection methods.
Asbestos sampling technicians will take samples, put them inside a ziplock bag, label them and then ship them with an order of custody chain to a laboratory accredited to be analyzed. The results of tests are typically accessible from all hours of the day to seven days.
A professional asbestos testing firm is ultimately the most secure, effective, efficient, and effective method to determine whether you have an asbestos problem to address. If Asbestos is found in the building, appropriate asbestos removal is necessary, and having the appropriate training, safety equipment, and protective gear is necessary for completing the task.
Find Asbestos Testing and Removal Specialists
If you need asbestos removal or testing, ensure that the business you select provides the best solutions. They must be able to outline their plans clearly:
- Clear Identification – Sampling, testing, and reporting must be clear and well communicated.
- Secure Removal – After the identification process, a procedure for safe removal needs to be implemented to protect the building’s inhabitants.
- Proper disposal – Each municipality has its own rules regarding how to dispose of dangerous substances, which must be adhered to.
If you reside in the Calgary region, certified Asbestos has more than 15 years of expertise and the most effective practices in the industry to manage asbestos elimination swiftly and efficiently.
