Asbestos on Mars or at Home

With all the drama of the politics and the true tragedy of its victims, it’s perhaps fitting that the penultimate chapter in Canada’s history of asbestos mining should have a surreal touch.

The giant Jeffrey Mine located in Asbestos, Quebec is set to close following the newly elected provincial government’s move to cancel the loan pledged by its precedessors. It is still open at the moment, however, as its operations wind down.

However there may be other uses for the stripped landscape the mining produced. The vast mining operation recently hosted a group of scientists for a simulated Mars mission. The exercise was set up by Canada’s space agency.

“There are definitely areas (on Mars) that are much more like what we have at Jeffrey Mine,” Ed Cloutis, a University of Winnipeg professor who participated in the project was quoted in news reports.

Fire resistant, waterproof and nearly indestructible, asbestos was once considered a miracle construction material. It wasn’t until decades later that its effects on health, particularly mesothelioma and other lung diseases, were seen and its uses in construction banned. Like the gaping mine that’s being put to sleep, however, asbestos didn’t just disappear and we’re still dealing with its after effects.

Be Aware
When it comes to the deadly results of asbestos exposure, including mesothelioma and other lung cancers, the results are already in. No amount of exposure is considered safe.

Many of the residential uses of asbestos actually involve asbestos in a mixture and is considered safe as long as that mixture is intact. The danger comes when it deteriorates and crumbles and becomes airborne – or friable.

• Asbestos remediation is possible in many cases if removal is deemed to be too disruptive.
• You should be aware of where asbestos is located in your home and keep an eye on it regularly for damage or deterioration.
• It will be crucial information when you do any renovations.

Go Asbestos Free
While it’s been banned from residential uses since the 1970’s, if you have a house built before that date you should assume that it contains asbestos somewhere too. The best protection for you and your family is permanent asbestos removal or containment.

Let us Help
Get peace of mind from GreenStream Environmental – call us for an asbestos inspection or removal quote today.

If you are looking to buy or renovate an older home then do yourself a favour and include an asbestos inspection on the list of things to do.

In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414.  You’ll be glad you did.