Can Fires Cause Asbestos Exposure?

Posted in Asbestos Removal, on April 07, 2025

Unlike other hazardous contaminants that infiltrate homes, public buildings, and commercial facilities, asbestos was used intentionally in most of its applications – put there for its strength, affordability, durability, and fire resistance, all qualities which made asbestos seem like the perfect choice for enhancing the performance of construction materials. However, asbestos poses a serious threat to building occupants, maintenance crew, and anyone else working on or within a contaminated property, especially when the asbestos is at risk of being disrupted. Some restoration companies offering asbestos removal in Ottawa recommend preventatively conducting inspections to identify the source of the mineral and facilitate planning before an unexpected incident like a fire releases the harmful fibres into them. Whether it's vermiculite insulation removal or asbestos floor tile removal, you can trust Canada’s Restoration Services for comprehensive and safe abatement of contaminated materials. 

Here is what you need to know about the risk of asbestos exposure when it comes to fires in Ottawa. 

How Asbestos Can Be Harmful During a Fire

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are usually considered safe when they are intact and undisturbed. However, during a fire, these materials can get damaged, causing the rigid and strong mineral fibers to become airborne. The intense heat of a fire can rapidly degrade asbestos-containing materials like insulation, tiles, and other building components, releasing tiny, breathable fibers into the air. These fibers pose a significant health risk as they can be easily inhaled by anyone in the vicinity of the smoke or post-fire debris. By investing in asbestos removal costs and scheduling an inspection in a building or home that was constructed in the mid-to-late 20th century preventatively, you can substantially reduce the risk of asbestos exposure in the case of a fire. For safe and reliable asbestos removal in Ottawa, contact our experts at Canada’s Restoration Services.

Types of Building Materials at Risk

Despite being prized for its fire-resistant properties historically and its ability to make buildings safer, asbestos can make fires even more dangerous. This resistance to fire means that asbestos can remain largely intact during many building fires, potentially releasing harmful fibers into the air as it cools or is disturbed during cleanup and demolition efforts. Some common types of building materials that might contain asbestos and are at risk of causing exposure:

• Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation products for walls, attics, and around pipes. Vermiculite insulation, in particular, which was used extensively until the mid-1980s, is known for containing asbestos.
• Floor Tiles: Vinyl tiles and the adhesives used to stick them to the floor often contain asbestos. When these tiles are damaged by fire or during removal, they can release asbestos fibers. To keep safe, schedule asbestos floor tile removal with Canada’s Restoration Services in Ottawa.
• Textured Paint and Patching Compounds: Used on wall and ceiling joints, these materials may contain asbestos and can release fibers if disturbed by fire damage or during renovation work.
• Pipe, Duct, and Water Tank Insulation: Asbestos was often used to insulate pipes and boilers. Fires in areas containing these materials can cause the asbestos to become brittle and friable, significantly increasing the risk of fiber release.

Keep Your Property Asbestos-Safe After a Fire with Canada’s Restoration Services

If your property has been affected by a fire and was built or renovated during, in, or around the 1980s, contact our experts about asbestos removal in Ottawa. We follow local regulations, leverage industry best practices, and are equipped with decades of experience, allowing us to navigate removal and abatement safely. We also offer reliable and comprehensive smoke and fire damage restoration services to help you restore your property after a fire. 

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