What is asbestos and why is it bad?
Asbestos is the generic name for 6 different fibrous minerals that occur in nature. There are two major groups of asbestos: serpentine and amphibole. Asbestos can be a hazard to health when the fibres are disturbed and airborne. That means that if you have asbestos in old flooring tile in the basement, it is okay if the tile is in good condition, not deteriorating and the fibres are not disturbed. Once they are disturbed and in the air, from ripping out the tile, for example, they can be breathed into the lungs and cause some serious health issues. When asbestos fibres are inhaled they are carried into the lower areas of the lung where they can cause fibrotic lung disease, also known as asbestosis. It can also cause harmful changes to the lining of the chest cavity. Both conditions can reduce respiratory function and even lead to death. Long-term exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma.What should I do if there is asbestos in a home?
If you think there is asbestos in a home you are considering purchasing or in your current home, you should never attempt to remove the materials yourself. You should always hire a professional company that offers asbestos removal in Edmonton to test it for you before attempting any demolition, renovations or building around the materials in question. If you disturb the materials yourself, you are increasing the risk of your health and your family’s health.
Photo credit: Acclaimed Remediation.
There are strict regulations and provincial legislation around the proper procedures for asbestos removal and disposal. A certified asbestos and mould remediation company will work in compliance with legislation and they have the proper training and equipment to effectively and safely remove those harmful materials from the home.
When should I be worried about asbestos?
If you are planning to do any renovations or demolitions to a home that was built before the 1990s, you should contact an asbestos remediation professional to inspect older materials for asbestos and safely remove it before any ground is broken. You should consider asbestos testing for the following: removal of vinyl floor or ceiling tiles, dealing with loose-fill vermiculite attic insulation, removing old shingles or siding, dealing with coatings including caulking or drywall compound, sealants, roofing compounds and putty that could contain asbestos. If you are unsure, always call in a professional that offers asbestos and mould testing in Edmonton. Posted by Liv Real Estate onEnjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates
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