Why Proper Asbestos Removal is Prudent in Public Buildings

Posted in Asbestos Removal, on August 12, 2024

When it comes to public buildings, asbestos removal in Toronto is absolutely crucial. Public buildings are known for being high foot traffic areas. There are always a large number of different people who may enter public buildings on a given day. This means that more people are susceptible to the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is a highly dangerous and toxic substance and has been recognized by the Canadian Government as such, and this is why it is important to remove asbestos from your building promptly. The longer you leave it, the higher the risk there is of somebody suffering as a result. In order to protect the building and its patrons, you should book an asbestos test or inspection if you notice any signs or symptoms of the substance. If you notice any fibrous particles falling from your ceilings or vents or simply own an older building, you may have asbestos. If you suspect asbestos in your building, contact Canada’s Restoration Services for an asbestos inspection in Toronto. Call today to get a free estimate on asbestos removal costs!

Continue reading to learn more about why proper asbestos removal is prudent in public buildings.

Health Risks

One of the major reasons why prompt asbestos removal is so important is because of the negative health implications associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure is associated with debilitating, life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. When you have asbestos in your building, inhaling the fibers is what causes illness. Asbestos is a fragile fibrous material, so if there is ever any type of trauma to the infected area, the fibers are likely to fill the air. If you’ve ever done any type of construction or renovations to your building, or if your building has suffered from some type of physical trauma, you are at high risk of asbestos exposure.

• Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that is caused by being exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time. When you inhale asbestos particles, they can damage the lining of your lungs, resulting in scarring and inflammation. Some symptoms of asbestosis include consistent dry cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness and pain, and abnormal sounds when inhaling. The longer you are exposed to asbestos, the worse the symptoms of asbestosis get. This can be very debilitating and ruin the quality of life of those who have the condition. 
• Lung Cancer: When you are exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time, the fibers that you breathe in can get stuck in your lungs. The fibers can damage your existing cells and result in the growth of cancerous cells. If you are a smoker, you are at an even higher risk of this disease. 
• Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is one of the worst diseases that can manifest as a result of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a fast-growing, less common type of cancer in the mesothelium, which is the lining of many of your internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. This is why prudent asbestos removal is so vital, especially in public buildings. You want to limit the number of people who are at risk of developing one of the worst and most aggressive types of cancer. 

In order to protect the health of the public, you must respond quickly if you suspect or know that your building contains asbestos. You could be saving lives by doing so. 

History of Asbestos Regulations

It was not always known that asbestos was an extremely dangerous material. It used to be an extremely popular choice in buildings due to the fact that it is fire-resistant. As a result, asbestos was an extremely popular choice for fireproofing and insulation in homes and public buildings. Many years ago, asbestos was regarded as a “miracle material” that was extremely innovative at the time. In the early 1900s, it was suspected that asbestos could be a potentially hazardous material if it were to be inhaled, and scientific research and medical studies were conducted as a result. However, it wasn’t until much later that asbestos was regarded as dangerous. The government of Canada began to regulate asbestos in the 1980’s in order to minimize its use. This long delay in banning asbestos is why it is still so common in buildings to this day. Since the ban, the Government of Canada has enacted many regulations to ensure that buildings become and remain asbestos-free. 

Regulatory Compliance

As a building owner, you are completely responsible for keeping the people in your building safe. When it comes to asbestos, the government legally requires that you take the appropriate measures to detect and remove asbestos from your building. There are many laws that outline the responsibilities of building owners in regard to dealing with asbestos. According to Canadian law:

• Building owners are expected to know if there is any asbestos-containing material inside their building.
• If any loose material appears to be falling inside of a building, it is the duty of the building owner to get said material examined and tested to determine if it is asbestos.
• If it is found that the material mentioned above does contain asbestos, it is the responsibility of the building owner to clean up the fallen particles and contain the area in which it fell to prevent it from happening again.

If you, as a building owner, are not following these laws, you can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you are unsure if your building contains asbestos or notice any type of suspicious material falling from the ceiling, you must legally ensure that it does not contain asbestos. The health implications of asbestos exposure are too serious to delay detection and removal. 

Financial Implications

You will want to be prudent about asbestos removal in order to avoid the financial implications associated with doing so. If you delay asbestos removal, the issue can progress and get worse over time. As time goes on, asbestos can deteriorate, making asbestos removal much more difficult and time-consuming. More safety measures and precautions would be needed in order to safely and effectively remove the substance. This would result in a more expensive removal process. 

If you fail to adhere to federal and provincial asbestos laws and regulations, you can also be fined thousands of dollars.  

Delaying asbestos removal can also increase the risk of exposure to those who come in and out of your building. If these people experience prolonged exposure to asbestos, they can sue you for damages. Given how toxic asbestos is and the laws surrounding the substance, you are putting building members at risk for disease by avoiding asbestos removal. This gives people every right to sue for damages. Lawsuits can result in astronomical financial losses. 

Be Prompt with Asbestos Removal

Overall, prompt asbestos removal from public buildings in Toronto is not just a matter of regulatory compliance, it's a vital step that is necessary to protect the health and safety of everyone who enters these areas. The high foot traffic of public buildings increases the number of people who are at risk of exposure, making it imperative to address any asbestos concerns without delay. Asbestos is a recognized health hazard, and delaying its removal only increases the risk of serious health issues for occupants and visitors alike. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your building, don’t hesitate to reach out to Canada’s Restoration Services for a professional asbestos inspection in Toronto. Contact us today for a free estimate on asbestos removal in Toronto and take the first step toward ensuring your building remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

CALL NOW!