The Asbestos Risk: Tenants Concerned Over Unsafe Renovations

Residents of a Vancouver apartment building have raised a red flag over renovations they say are proceeding without adequate protection from asbestos exposure.

The building in question is a 53-year old low-rise in the east side of the city. After a fire in 2009, testing revealed the presence of asbestos in every sample taken, meaning the building was riddled with asbestos containing materials. At the time, a certified asbestos-removal company like GreenStream Environmental was contracted for asbestos abatement and removal services in connection with repairing the damaged units.

Renovations have begun again, however, and tenants are concerned that the current work seems to be proceeding without a suitably qualified and certified asbestos removal company on site.

Their concern is certainly justified. Here at GreenStream Environmental Services, we understand the importance of experience and training, and all of our contractors are fully certified and have completed the Asbestos Abatement Worker Training Program approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Our contractors are able to handle all types of asbestos abatement, as designated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

What does it mean to you?

• Worker safety – unskilled workers can endanger their own health by not following proper procedures
• Your health and safety – unskilled and untrained workers can endanger your health by exposing you to asbestos

Asbestos in a “bound” form, such as a concrete mixture, is not considered dangerous, but materials can deteriorate or get damaged – and therefore can be inhaled into the lungs – at any time. No level of exposure is considered safe, and ignorance is definitely not bliss where this dangerous material is concerned.

Don’t Try This At Home
Get expert help. Before you plan any renovations on your home -particularly if it was built before 1970 – call us for an asbestos survey.  Certainly, if you’re planning on buying an older home, it should be an essential part of your pre-purchase checklist.

The fact of the matter is that if your home was built before 1970, https://www.greenstreamenvironmental.ca/asbestos-removal.php you have to assume that it contains asbestos, and it may appear in a wide variety of places.

Before any renovation projects, call in the experts from GreenStream Environmental Services for an asbestos inspection. At GreenStream Environmental Services, we offer professional vermiculite and asbestos remediation services to help you contain and then rid yourself of this problem.

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