Asbestos in the Office

The Toronto District Schoolboard (TDSB) is getting some flack after published reports indicate they were aware of the presence of asbestos in one of their properties and withheld that information from one of the tenants.

At issue is the presence of chrysotile asbestos in vinyl floor tiles in an office leased by the Crime Prevention Association of Toronto.  The CPAT has been a long term tenant at the office, but only recently removed the carpeting in order to accommodate the needs of a disabled woman for her work placement.

The old carpeting was stripped and the tiles revealed, some of them clearly deteriorated. An ‘anonymous source’ apparently sent her a 2008 lab report that revealed the tiles had already been tested and were known to contain asbestos.

The office is working home to three staff and six work placement interns, and all of them evacuated the office in early December and are now working from home. Crews are expected over the holidays to come in and inspect the premises to make sure the tiles are contained but it leaves a thorny issue and disputes now over who is responsible, since the TDSB claims the tenant did not seek approval for ripping up the carpet and that the situation was well under control before that.

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.

Just like the case of the vinyl tiles, 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.

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.