What is Asbestos?
According to Health Canada there are several minerals commonly known as asbestos. These minerals can be used to make products strong, long-lasting and fire-resistant.
Before 1990, asbestos was mainly used for insulating buildings and homes against cold weather and noise. It was also used for fireproofing.
Industry, construction, and commercial sectors have used, and, in some cases, continue to use, asbestos in products like:
- cement and plaster
- industrial furnaces and heating systems
- building insulation
- floor and ceiling tiles
- house siding
- car and truck brake pads
- vehicle transmission components, such as clutches
When is Asbestos a Problem?
Small asbestos fibers can be released into the air when:
- disturbing or removing insulation that contains asbestos, including insulation around hot water pipes and tanks
- removing or disturbing roofing shingles and felt or siding containing asbestos
- sanding, breaking apart or scraping vinyl asbestos floor tiles
- breaking apart soundproofing ceiling tiles containing asbestos
- sanding or disturbing plaster containing asbestos, including acoustical plaster
- sawing, drilling or smoothing rough edges of asbestos materials
- sanding or scraping older surface treatments containing asbestos, such as:
- roofing compounds like tar paper
- spackling
- sealants
- paint
- putty
- caulking
- drywall
Some car parts also contain asbestos. In some cases, you can be exposed to asbestos dust when changing your brakes or replacing a transmission clutch
Health Canada’s Position on the Hazards of Asbestos
There are no significant health effects if materials containing asbestos are left undisturbed and in good condition (not falling apart)
Potential Asbestos Health Effects
Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause cancer and other diseases, such as:
- asbestosis
- a scarring of the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe
- mesothelioma
- a rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity
- lung cancer
Addressing Potential Presence of Asbestos.
Materials to potentially be disturbed during renovation or demolition projects should be tested for the presence of asbestos, according to provincial or federal regulations.
How Should Asbestos Containing Materials Be Properly Removed
All asbestos abatement must be completed in accordance with all applicable provincial and federal regulations such as:
Ontario
BC
Alberta
Mandatory Asbestos Contractor Certifications.
According to provincial regulatory requirements. Please refer to:
Ontario
BC
Alberta
Recommended Insurance for Abatement Contractors
Pollution liability coverage