The Dangers of Friable Asbestos Removal
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on July 14, 2023
Your home is supposed to be a safe space, but what you might not realize is that there can be dangerous substances hidden right beneath the surface. While it may not be an immediate threat, being aware of substances in your home is the first step to eliminating them. With expert restoration services such as asbestos testing and asbestos removal in Toronto, you can identify and eliminate instances of asbestos on your property. If your property was built or renovated in the late 1900s, it’s time to schedule your asbestos testing in Toronto.
At Canada’s Restoration Services, our team of asbestos abatement experts will ensure safe and effective processes.
Learn about friable asbestos below and what risks it has on one's health.
What is Friable Asbestos
Asbestos, in general, is a very dangerous mineral that most buildings constructed between 1960a and 1990 contain. There are two states in which asbestos can be in: friable and non-friable.
Non-friable asbestos is when the fibres are tightly packed together, which is much less dangerous than friable asbestos. However, over time, it's possible that these materials can turn into friable asbestos. These materials, such as cement, attic insulation, and firebricks, are harder to break down.
Friable asbestos is the most dangerous form of asbestos. These materials are easily broken down to turn into dust if pressure is applied, giving the substance an airborne nature. This dust can then be easily inhaled, leading to serious health risks.
Health Risks Tied to Friable Asbestos
Because of its loose-nature, friable asbestos is more likely to become airborne where it can easily be inhaled, triggering health complications. In many cases the symptoms of asbestos exposure won’t appear until 15-35 years after the initial encounter, so it’s best to prevent contact as soon as possible with abatement and asbestos testing in Toronto. To get started, schedule a comprehensive asbestos inspection with Canada’s Restoration Services.
Lung cancer: Lung cancer can develop if you have been exposed to friable asbestos, which can eventually lead to possible death. Symptoms of asbestos inhalation are; changes in breathing patterns, coughing blood, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fatigue, and swelling in the body. These types of symptoms typically show near the end stages of cancer, which become difficult to treat.
Mesothelioma: mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen or heart. Its leading cause is asbestos exposure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, painful coughing, unexplained weight loss and nausea.
Where can you find Friable Asbestos?
Though friable asbestos ends up floating in the air, here are the most common areas friable asbestos can stem from in your home:
- Soundproofing and insulation
- Vinyl sheets
- Thermal lagging-pipe insulation
- Spray-on insulation
- Popcorn ceilings
- Acoustic ceiling tiles
- Fireproofing materials
- Textured paints
As mentioned earlier, non-friable asbestos, including cement, has the potential to become friable over time. When it's solid or liquid, it is not classified as friable. However, when it is reduced to a powder-like state, it can cause significant health risks and potentially fatal consequences.
Go Asbestos-Free with Canada’s Restoration Serviecs
The dangers of friable asbestos cannot be underestimated. It's essential to leave the removal process to the professionals. The team at Canada's Restoration Services can help with that. Leave it to us to get your home asbestos-free. We provide services throughout Canada; Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal, and Edmonton. Contact us today to book a free inspection.
