Asbestos Causes Cancer
Before you start that "little" repair or a complete renovation, are you sure doing the work is SAFE? Most people don't think of the materials used to build their home as hazardous, but you could have asbestos lurking anywhere from your roof to your basement.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos can be found in many types of construction and building materials. Homes built in the 70s, in particular, are pretty sure to have used asbestos - from its ceilings down to the tiled floors. Asbestos was primarily used for its fire protection features, soundproofing and binding. It is used for insulation in piping, walls, boilers, steam engines and even as a thermal lining for clothing.
Asbestos Can Be Found In:
- Roofing materials
- Walls, drywalls and plaster
- Siding shingles
- Ceilings
- Floor tiles
- Joint compounds
- Thermal insulation
Global demand for asbestos was at its height around 1977, where 4.8 million metric tons of asbestos were produced in bulk annually. Even with stringent regulations now, certain kinds of asbestos are yet found in construction materials today.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous To My Health?
When you hear asbestos, you automatically think of it as a lethal poison or cancer-causing agent. The danger of asbestos is now well known with several scientific studies proving it. In fact, doctors refer to patients with asbestos-induced symptoms as asbestosis, which is a direct scarring of the lungs. You know it’s pretty toxic when it has its own eponymous disease.
Asbestos poses a huge hazard when released into the air. The simple act of inhaling is a quick way for fine microscopic asbestos filaments to get into your body. From there the asbestos fibers will burrow down into the mucous membranes where they can irritate the nose or throat. Long or constant exposure can increase the severity of the danger of damage. Asbestos inhaled deeper into the lungs aggravates the lung tissues causing thick scars to build up.
Exposure To Asbestos Can Cause The Following Diseases:
- Asbestosis.
- Mesothelioma.
- Lung Cancer.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What Should You Do If You Suspect That Asbestos Is Present In Your Property?
If you suspect asbestos contamination the most important thing is to tell every occupant not to touch any suspicious materials, especially those of white powder or materials with loose white fibers. Let a professional from ComPro handle the job.
As a property owner, there are many factors you have to consider, but here’s what you should NOT do:
- NEVER attempt to clean up with a home vacuum. Most household vacuum cleaners use ordinary filters that do not trap the asbestos fibers and instead discharges asbestos fibers back into the air. (This is how our good intentions can often make a situation rather worse.)
- Do not sweep or dust asbestos debris.
- Do not handle or remove suspicious materials on your own.
What is "Friability"?
You may find asbestos present in different materials or forms. One state is referred to as ‘friable’.
Asbestos when friable is just one big nightmare come to life. This crumbly textured material is the most hazardous state of asbestos. Friable means that you can crumble the asbestos by hand, which can then be easily released into the air.
Friability is the scale of which we deduce the hazard levels of asbestos. Asbestos spray used as insulation is highly friable because it is released into the air in particle form. When compared to the friability of floor tiles which are classified at the low-end scale of friability, because tiles are pretty solid, and won’t become airborne unless broken down into chunks.
Causes Of Friability Of Asbestos-Containing Materials:
- Weather damage
- Ageing/ deterioration over time
- Water damage
- Natural Disasters (Earthquakes)
- Continual vibrations
- Physical impact (such as drilling, grinding, hammering)
Call ComPro If You Suspect You Have Asbestos In Your Building
Asbestos abatement requires specially trained techncians, equipment, and safe disposal practices for properly removing and clearing asbestos and asbestos-laced materials.
If you suspect you have asbestos, be sure to leave it undisturbed and have it properly removed by accredited asbestos abatement professionals.
There are environmental and compliance regulations detailing how asbestos needs to be removed from commercial, residential and industrial locations. These regulations are to protect the people and the community from unnecessary exposure and also, to prevent the release of asbestos into the environment. Ask ComPro about your local regulations and our process for certified disposal, as you could be fined if the method you choose is unsafe.
Hire ComPro For Your Asbestos Abatement Needs
Compro is a licensed asbestos removal company and we've been serving the greater Calgary area for 30+ years. We have the specialized equipment and experience to properly remove asbestos which includes complete clearing and decontamination of your site.
Call us to learn how our Asbestos abatement process and remediation workflow, so you’ll know exactly what steps we use to turn your house from a potential health hazard to your safe and comfortable home once more.
Our commitment to excellent customer service has resulted in countless satisfied customers and safer homes and buildings. We guarantee a prompt, professional and thorough job, which means more value for your money. Because after all, when you're renovating your property, every dollar counts, and we make it all worth it!