What to Do When You Accidentally Uncover Asbestos in Toronto
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on October 03, 2022
More often than not, property buyers are not thinking about asbestos when moving into a new space. The last time asbestos was used in construction in the Greater Toronto Area was in the late 20th century, specifically between the 1980s and 1990s. As the health repercussions of asbestos exposure became more apparent, production and use of asbestos-containing materials were replaced with efforts for asbestos removal in Toronto. Still, many properties in the Greater Toronto Area and throughout Canada still contain asbestos, and the wrong move can contaminate the air.
Canada’s Restoration Services offers asbestos testing in Toronto and other major Canadian cities to help property owners eliminate the mineral safely and efficiently.
If you accidentally encounter asbestos on your property, here are some tips on how to respond.
What Causes Asbestos Exposure?
You’re only at immediate risk of asbestos exposure when the mineral is friable. Unfortunately, as asbestos-containing materials age, they deteriorate, becoming more friable. When delicate fibres of asbestos are shifted, they quickly go airborne. This can result from air movement, cutting, sawing, touching, or other interaction with the mineral. Once in the air, these fibres divide until they become microscopic and easily inhaled. Ultimately, when inhaled, the rigid asbestos fibres scar the lung tissue leading to chronic illnesses like Mesothelioma and lung cancer.
What Activities Trigger Asbestos Exposure
The best way to prevent accidental exposure to asbestos is to know what activities are likely to trigger airborne fibres. Asbestos is found most commonly in drywall, popcorn ceilings, HVAC systems, and roofing. So, if you’re planning any renovations or home maintenance, it’s always best to schedule professional asbestos testing in Toronto before beginning any work. Canada’s Restoration Services offers thorough 3rd party testing and comprehensive asbestos inspections in Toronto for reliable detection.
Enclose Asbestos-Contaminated Areas
Whether you’re in a commercial or residential space when asbestos becomes airborne, it’s critical that you evacuate and block the area off. If you’re in your home, it’s a good idea to turn your HVAC system off and leave for a couple of days until asbestos removal in Toronto is complete. In commercial spaces like public buildings and industrial properties, signage is recommended to alert everyone on-site of the hazard and risk.
PPE & Change of Clothes
When asbestos fibres are in the air, you want to do your absolute best to keep them off your skin, clothes, and, most importantly, out of your lungs. If you have no choice but to be around asbestos, you should always wear a respirator that can filter out asbestos. Because these fibres can cling to your clothing, disposable jumpsuits should also be worn around airborne fibres and during asbestos removal in Toronto. If you were accidentally exposed to asbestos, carefully change your clothes and throw out what may have been contaminated.
Inspections & Asbestos Removal in Toronto
When you notice asbestos in one area of your property, there is a chance it will be elsewhere. To ensure that you completely eradicate the mineral, schedule asbestos inspections, asbestos testing, and asbestos removal in Toronto with Canada’s Restoration Services.
