Rock Reject: New Novel Looks at Working in an Asbestos Mine

More and more artists and filmmakers are joining the voices that keep asbestos and its residual effects in the news. Rock Reject is a novel by author Jim Williams recently released on the Fernwood imprint. The story depicts life in a northern British Columbia asbestos mining town and the book has been called “disturbing, haunting” in a review.

In the story, a Toronto med student goes to work in the Stikine region of northern B.C. after his wife dies unexpectedly, deliberating taking what he knows to be a hard road in his grief. On arriving at the dusty mine, he learns most new recruits last only three weeks before quitting. The book is said to capture the crude, gloomy world of the asbestos mines and is based on the real life story of the town of Cassiar, now a ghost town. The former med student becomes a union crusader who brings up health risks and issues the company has tried to conceal.

Asbestos Risks
The effects of asbestos exposure aren’t fictional, of course. 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. No doubt that’s why artists and writers continue to be drawn to the subject.

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

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. It can show up in a variety of places both outdoors and indoors.

Be Aware
If you don’t opt for asbestos removal, 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.

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.