Presence and Persistence of Asbestos in Buildings
Historical Use of Asbestos Containing Materials
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were extensively used in building and infrastructure construction up to and including the 1990s. Despite regulatory changes and increased awareness, asbestos has been discovered in buildings constructed even after this period. This continued presence highlights the long-term persistence of asbestos in the built environment.
Prevalence in Building Products
Asbestos can be found in more than 3,000 different building products. This widespread usage means that asbestos may still be present in a variety of structures and building materials, irrespective of their construction date. The extensive distribution of ACMs increases the likelihood of encountering asbestos in both older and newer properties.
Implications of Previous Asbestos Removal Efforts
Many buildings underwent asbestos abatement in previous decades when regulatory standards were less comprehensive than those enforced today. As a result, properties that were considered compliant under earlier standards and protocols may not meet current standards. This change in compliance highlights the evolving nature of asbestos regulations and the importance of ongoing building assessment.
Asbestos can remain concealed beneath newer materials such as insulation, drywall, or other coverings. This hidden presence poses challenges for building safety and regulatory compliance, as asbestos may go undetected during routine inspections or renovations. Identifying these hidden risks is essential for ensuring the ongoing safety of occupants and workers.
Asbestos Removal and Worker Safety
Asbestos abatement is highly regulated, requiring licensed contractors to employ trained and certified workers for all remediation activities. Key safety measures include the use of full personal protective equipment (PPE), such as HEPA-filtered respirators and protective clothing that fits snugly at the neck, wrists, and ankles and made of materials resistant to asbestos fibres to minimize exposure risks.
It is vital and mandatory that correct asbestos removal procedures are meticulously followed to mitigate risk. Before beginning renovations or demolition, it is essential to adhere to established steps for identifying and safely managing asbestos. This ensures that hazards are controlled and regulatory requirements are met.
About Enviro-Vac®
Enviro-Vac is one of the oldest privately owned environmental contractors in Canada, offering a full suite of services in hazardous materials abatement and decontamination. Their expertise includes shrink-wrap containments, industrial vacuum services, and abrasive blasting. Enviro-Vac is equipped to manage both small and large-scale projects across Canada, with the head office located in Surrey, BC.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this article or would like to discuss hazardous materials abatement solutions, facility decontamination, high-risk negative pressure containments, or industrial vacuum cleaning, please call Enviro-Vac on their toll-free number: (888) 296-2499.
