The Relationship Between Water Damage and Asbestos Exposure in Edmonton
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on December 17, 2021
For homeowners, dealing with water damage can be a headache in itself. But if your home has not undergone asbestos removal in Edmonton before water damage strikes, the situation can become much worse. If water damage disturbs or exposes asbestos, its fibres can easily become airborne and pose a significant risk to health and safety to occupants. Asbestos testing in Edmonton is an effective preventive measure enabling early detection of asbestos-containing materials around your property.
While asbestos fibres and the hazards associated with them are often limited to older residential and commercial buildings, any home – old or new – is susceptible to asbestos exposure as a result of unexpected water damage. More often than not, it can be a challenge spotting the signs of water damage, as the issue is not always visibly apparent.
The same can be said about asbestos fibres, which aren’t visible to the naked eye. In any event, it’s important to consult with an expert to conduct asbestos testing in Edmonton to mitigate its hazards before it's worsened by unforeseeable circumstances such as water damage.
Where Asbestos & Water Damage is Likely to Be a Problem
Asbestos testing in Edmonton continues to show that the mineral still lingers in older buildings today, and can be found in attic insulation, floor/ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation, plumbing and more.
When disturbed by water damage, asbestos fibres hidden in flooring or ceilings may become exposed. When the fibres become airborne, the chances of inhaling them increases. When these fibres are breathed in, they can be trapped in the lungs for a long period of time, leading to a variety of health conditions including lung cancer. These health risks emphasize the importance of quick and professional asbestos removal in Edmonton.
While it isn’t always easily identifiable, there are a number of signs that may point to water damage in your home. Look for dark, wet or discolouration on the ceiling or your home’s interior and exterior walls. Water damage may be the culprit if your home’s drywall or painted ceilings or walls begin to crack or flake.
Pools of water, the sound of running or dripping water, and a spike in your water bill are also indicators of a hidden water leak. More evidently, damp or moldy smells can also be a sign of water damage.
How Water Damage Impacts Asbestos
No matter the form of asbestos, the fibres are resistant to heat, biological and chemical breakdown. As a result, asbestos does not dissolve or evaporate when submerged in water. In fact, the fibres can float and or become airborne.
It’s encouraged to consult with professional asbestos abatement contractors, such as Canada’s Restoration Services, when dealing with asbestos testing and removal in Edmonton. You may not be aware, but any wall, roof or flooring impacted by water damage is at risk of deteriorating and disturbing friable asbestos-containing material within your home. Don’t put your safety at risk, contact our team of licensed specialists.
Contacting an Expert For Asbestos Removal in Edmonton
When it comes to asbestos removal in Edmonton, trusted and reliable asbestos abatement contractors are always the best course of action. Canada’s Restoration Services offers asbestos removal in Edmonton as well as fast water damage repair and mold remediation services.
