Abatement DivisionAsbestos Abatement How do I know if I have asbestos in my home/business? Asbestos was almost fully phased out of building materials in Ontario during the early 1980’s and as such most new homes should not contain it. I’m thinking of purchasing a house/commercial unit that was built prior to 1980, what should I consider? You should consider getting a real estate inspector to investigate the property. Just bear in mind that prior to the 1980’s asbestos was quite common. What materials were made with asbestos? Asbestos has also been found in many products around the house. It has been used in shingles and felt for roofing; exterior siding; pipe and boiler covering; compounds and cement, such as caulk, putty, and roof patching; wallboard; acoustical ceiling tiles and plaster; vinyl floor tiles and texture coatings and finally, loose-fill vermiculite insulation may contain traces of “amphibole” asbestos. How can I know for sure if I have asbestos in my home/business? Call an environmental consulting firm - they will come and take samples (usually 3 samples per material). These samples are then sent to a lab for analysis. If your material does contain asbestos, the consultant will put together a scope of work according to the O-reg 278/05 (asbestos abatement regulation). I have asbestos in my house/business - What do I do now? Do not disturb it - asbestos is able to become friable (airborne) if it is disturbed (depending on what type of material contains asbestos). How do I know if the asbestos has been removed from my house/business? The environmental consultant will take final clearance samples and inspect the environmental contractor’s work and give you peace of mind that the asbestos in question has been properly and completely removed. |
|
Copyright © 2009 Ferro Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. |