Asbestos as a Workplace Hazard – In Your Home

Canadian home reno superstar Mike Holmes has come out to make a public statement on asbestos as a workplace hazard. Holmes made the statement to the press on the occasion fo the National Day of Mourning, a day set aside to remember those who have lost their lives on the job.

The fact of the matter is that Canada has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma – the deadly lung cancer caused by asebestos – in the world. It’s the biggest cause of workplace deaths.

Where is the Asbestos?
In contruction, asbestos was often mixed with other materials such as vinyl (floor tiles) or concrete. While the ACM (asbestos containing material) is intact it is considered safe – it’s the fibres you inhale that are problematic. However, any kind of renovations or work that opens walls or disturbs old material, including drilling, sawing, hammering in nails and more, can create asbestos laden dust.

The problem is that asbestos was once so commonly used in construction of both residential and industrial buildings that it may appear anywhere literally from floor tiles to acoustic ceiling tiles. You won’t know just by looking at it whether it contains asbestos. You may find it in:

• Pipe chasing and insulation;
• Wall panels;
• Textured paints and popcorn ceilings;
• Vermiculite insulation;
• Roofing compounds & shingles;
• Sealants, caulking & adhesives around windows and doors;
• Even drywall!

What About Your Home?
When doing any work on an older home, it’s essential for workers to wear protective gear. There’s no legal requirement when you are working on your own residence, but the danger is no less real.

It’s a serious health hazard for contractors and renovation companies. You may be tempted to cut costs by doing it yourself but remember that contractors have some of the highest rates of asbestos related disease – for a reason.

If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, you can’t afford to cut corners. The only way to proceed is with safety in mind. You can trust the experienced asbestos removal and asbestos remediation experts at GreenStream Environmental to take care of the issue for you. 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.