Asbestos Imports – Into Ontario?

In the midst of all the hoopla over Ottawa’s recent announcement that it was reversing its former position on asbestos – blaming the newly elected separatist Parti Québécois and their prompt cancellation of the former Liberal government’s $58 million loan to the parties looking to reopen the massive Jeffrey Mine – the Toronto Star recently reported that asbestos products are still being imported into Ontario from Quebec.

According to the story, the Thetford Mine still produces some asbestos and it’s being used in brake pads and concrete pipes. A private member’s bill has been introduced in the Ontario legislature introduced to ban the use of asbestos in brake pads due to its potential for exposing auto workers and mechanics to the substance. It’s not clear where the cement/asbestos pipes are in use. Historically, it was typical to use these for waterworks.

As home to among the world’s largest deposits of asbestos, vested interest in the mineral has kept it in use in Canada long after it’s been banned in many other countries around the globe.

Asbestos Risks
That’s unfortunate when hundreds of new cases of cancer caused by asbestos exposure are diagnosed in Ontario alone each year. We’re still dealing with the fallout from decades of unrestricted use.

The material is considered safe as long as it’s in tact or in a mixture as with the concrete piping, however, once that material deteriorates, it can indeed release friable – or inhalable – asbestos particles into the air.

Go Asbestos Free
It just makes no sense to keep playing with fire when it comes to asbestos. 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. It can show up in a variety of places both outdoors and indoors including:

• Roofing
• Siding
• Windows and window caulking
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Pipe chasing
• Insulation

Be Aware
Just as public institutions keep tabs on it, 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, and we suggest that complete removal is really the only definitive solution.

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.