Asbestos Containing Materials – In New Buildings

As a recent article in the Globe and Mail points out, while the Canadian asbestos industry itself slid out of commission last year, Canada has not yet joined the 50+ countries of the world that have banned asbestos all together.

Specifically, the article details how asbestos containing materials are still used in pipes that are installed in new condominiums, hospitals and other high-rise buildings in the Toronto area.

The Quebec-based supplier of the pipes used in the GTA incorporates asbestos imported from Mexico and other countries. According to government figures, Canada as a whole imported about $2.2 million worth of asbestos containing pipes and other construction materials between 2010 and 2013.

The asbestos-cement pipes in this case are being used in areas like storm water drains. The concern, naturally, is that the owners and occupants of a new building will not be informed or ever suspect that the asbestos containing materials exist in their units and so will not take precautionary or protective measures. The potential for accidental exposure is clear.

Asbestos Containing Materials
To us at GreenStream Environmental, the continued use of asbestos containing materials doesn’t make much sense. ACM was used widely in homes prior to the 1980’s and can show up almost anywhere from floor tiles to wall panels to ceiling tiles. Asbestos may be found mixed with concrete, vinyl, plaster, paint and other materials. It can be present in many areas you probably don’t expect, such as:

• Pipe insulation and chasing
• Boiler and radiator pipe insulation
• Window and door caulking
• Popcorn ceilings
• Textured paints
• And many more

While the commonly held wisdom is that these asbestos containing materials are safe as long as they are intact, there is a lot of potential for damage. That includes:

• Renovations
• Electrical repairs
• Plumbing work
• Installation of home theatre or alarm systems

Don’t Take Chances
The threat to human health of asbestos is real. If your home was built before the 1980’s, it may contain asbestos in many areas. Let us help!

Our experienced asbestos removal technicians can tackles any asbestos removal or remediation job, big or small. In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

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.