27
Nov
2018

Dangers of Asbestos

November 27th, 2018 | in Asbestos

If your home was built before 1990, there is a potential that it could contain asbestos. As long as you are not planning to renovate or demolish the home, the asbestos offers no risks. However, if you have plans in place to renovate or demolish your pre-1990 home, a number of steps must be complied with to avoid issues with asbestos inhalation of both yourself and the workers at your job site.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fiber that was frequently used in homes between the 1950s and the 1990s. When the fibers are disturbed and asbestos is released into the air, inhalation can cause serious health concerns to anyone in the vicinity.

Asbestos is dangerous to inhale because it can not be dissolved by the body – once it is trapped in the body, it can not be expelled. Asbestos exposure can cause a number of issues in the lungs and surrounding membranes, such as pleuritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asbestosis. Secondary diseases that can be related to asbestos exposure include lung cancer, and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Precautions before Renovations or Demolitions

If you home was built before 1990, take the following precautions before going ahead with renovations or demolition:

-        Contact a consultant first

-        Have a hazardous materials survey completed

-        If asbestos is found, have a qualified asbestos removal contractor on site to remove the asbestos

If asbestos is found on your property, a number of steps will need to be followed to ensure safety for everyone at the job site. Your consultant can help you to outline specific procedures for your project.

For more information on asbestos removal and concerns, visit http://www.thinkasbestos.com and http://globalnews.ca/video/4627338/open-house-dangers-of-asbestos 


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