A new poll taken by the Canadian Cancer Society shows that a whopping 82% majority of Canadians believe there should be a public registry of all buildings containing asbestos – including private homes.
The Canadian Medical Association is joining them in urging the federal government to take this step towards managing the risks of exposure to asbestos that remains from the heyday of its use on a nationwide scale.
The Miracle Mineral
Fire and heat resistant and nearly indestructible, asbestos was once looked upon as a miracle material that revolutionized the construction business. Asbestos was also found to have soundproofing properties, leading to a whole new set of uses. At one time, asbestos was found in multiple areas in an average home both inside and out, including:
- Roofing materials
- Siding
- Windows
- Wall panels
- Insulation
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- And more!
Since its effects on our health take decades to develop, asbestos was widely used in all sorts of public and private buildings for much of the 20th century. It’s estimated that it was used as insulation in 240,000 homes – and that’s just one of the many places you’ll find it. While it’s been banned from most residential uses since the 1970’s, North America still has not eliminated its usage outright and of course it lingers on in the many older buildings that still exist across the continent.
The Proposal
What the Canadian Cancer Society is calling for would involve a central public registry that would be free and easily accessible to anyone. It would include information about all private and publicly owned buildings which contain asbestos. The goal of course is to minimize exposure and certainly to eliminate inadvertent exposure to workers or homeowners renovating their properties.
“We know all forms of asbestos cause cancer and creating a public registry is a crucial first step in making sure Canadians are not exposed to this harmful substance,” says Dan Demers, Director, Public Issues, Canadian Cancer Society in a media release. “Once it’s known that a building contains asbestos then appropriate action can be taken to protect people from this substance.”
Be Aware
Asbestos remediation is possible in many cases if removal is deemed to be too disruptive. With or without a public registry, 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.
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