When Do You Have To Worry About Naturally Existing Asbestos?
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on September 09, 2021
Used primarily in construction prior to the 1980s, asbestos is a natural mineral mined and used ubiquitously in building materials like plumbing, drywall, and tiles for its durability, affordability, and many other favourable properties. In these applications, asbestos fibres that are disturbed and airborne can lead to severe chronic illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Fortunately, when used in construction, asbestos testing in Toronto can determine the risk of asbestos and remove it safely to minimize exposure and health complications.
However, since asbestos is a natural mineral found in rocks, there is some concern regarding naturally occurring asbestos. We've compiled a breakdown on the risk of naturally occurring asbestos to the average person and when or if you'll need professional asbestos removal in Toronto to stay safe.
Naturally-Occurring Asbestos: What It Is
Naturally-occurring asbestos is asbestos in its pure mineral form. It's not been mined or used for construction, and it is primarily found in rocks but sometimes in sediment and soils. Naturally-occurring asbestos is most commonly found in two rock types: serpentinite and altered ultramafic rocks. Naturally-occurring asbestos can vary in colour, ranging from blue, brown, green, and white. The amount of asbestos differs from each stone, but just like in your home or commercial property, any asbestos exposure is a risk to your health.
Where Naturally-Occurring Asbestos May Be Encountered
Now, unless you're a geologist or just a big fan of rocks, it's unlikely you'll know what these kinds of stones look like, where to find them, or require asbestos removal in Toronto because of them. While these rocks might be in your driveway, backyard, or even in a nearby construction zone, it's incredibly difficult to release asbestos fibres. But there are some activities that can cause naturally-occurring asbestos fibres to be disturbed, such as construction activities (basically, anything that results in broken or crushed stones) or farming activities, since naturally occurring asbestos can be found in soil, anything that churns up the ground, like farming, raking, or hauling, can release asbestos fibres.
If you are about to start a new construction project, contact Canada's Restoration service team for inspections, testing, and asbestos removal in Toronto before beginning. It's unlikely, but if your driveway is unpaved, you can consider getting asbestos testing in Toronto to guarantee that there's a zero chance of exposure happening from naturally occurring asbestos. Even though you might not be actively crushing or breaking down the rocks or sediment, your car does, and by driving on it, it results in dust, and possibly fibres being released into the air.
Is Naturally-Occurring Asbestos a Health Risk?
Whether it's found in a rock or in your home, any released asbestos fibres are dangerous to your health. The fibres become disturbed and airborne so quickly that there's an immediate health risk associated with it. Naturally-occurring asbestos has become a health issue in some industries, like construction and mining because it's hard to know where and when the fibres are being released.
If you think there might be naturally occurring asbestos around you, any action to minimize dust will help reduce your exposure to it. But the best way to be proactive about asbestos exposure is with comprehensive asbestos testing in Toronto.
When it comes to asbestos, Canada's Restoration Services provides a full range of services in all areas of your property.
Contact Canada's Restoration Services today to book a professional asbestos inspection in Toronto and the surrounding areas right away.
