Asbestos in the home…

When is asbestos hazardous?

Asbestos is a hazard when the fibers are disturbed and become airborne. This means that asbestos poses health risks when fibres are present in the air and then people breathe them into the lungs. This release can happen through deterioration or when the material is cut or disturbed.

 Is asbestos always a hazard?

Not always.  If the suspected area / product is not deteriorating it may not be releasing fibres.  If however it is showing signs of damage, cracks or water damage you should speak with a professional.

Can I remove asbestos from my home myself?

No.  Asbestos fibres easily become air borne which lead to serious risks of illness if proper precautions are not taken.  There are strict Ontario regulations that define the procedures that must be used when working with different types of asbestos

What should I do if I think my home has asbestos?

You should hire a professional to test for asbestos prior to any renovations, demolitions or additions to your home.

If asbestos is found you should hire a professional asbestos removal specialist before beginning any work.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act regulates 3 types of Asbestos Abatement operations:

Type 1 Asbestos Abatement Operations

• Removing asbestos-containing ceiling tiles, vinyl floor tiles, etc.
• Removing non-friable asbestos-containing materials, other than ceilings.
• Breaking, cutting, drilling, abrading, grinding, sanding or vibrating non-friable asbestos-containing materials.

Containment is not required during Type 1 Operations and the use of power tools is not allowed.

Type 2 Asbestos Abatement Operations

• Small areas or amounts of friable asbestos-containing materials (i.e. pipe insulation, floor duct, paper wrap insulation, sheet flooring, etc.)
• Removing all or part of a false-ceiling to obtain access to a work area, if asbestos-containing material is likely to be lying on the surface of the false ceiling.
• Enclosing friable asbestos-containing material.
• Breaking, cutting, drilling, abrading, grinding, sanding or vibrating non-friable asbestos-containing materials.

Containment is required during Type 2 Operations, as is the use of Negative Air HEPA Filtration and Personal Protective Equipment.

Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Operations

• Repairing, altering or demolishing all or part of any building in which asbestos is or was used in the manufacture of products, unless the asbestos was cleaned up and removed before March 16, 1986.
• Large areas or amounts of friable asbestos-containing material (greater than 1 square metre) including all of the above materials, and more...

In addition to Type 2 Requirements, containment with a portable shower is also required.