The Globe and Mail reported today that the costs of dealing with asbestos related cancers like mesothelioma has soared to $1.7 billion per year – and that’s only for new work-related cases.
The estimates come from the Institute for Work & Health, a research facility. The report estimates that each case costs about $818,000 – that includes health care, lost productivity from work and diminished quality of life.
Asbestos causes more work-related deaths than any other reason and there have been more than 5,700 claims in the last two decades.
The Asbestos Legacy
Even though Prime Minister Trudeau has said the government is “moving forward” on a total asbestos ban, it doesn’t of course remove what is already in place. Since it was used in both public and private buildings over many decades until about the mid-1980’s, it can be found in many places in your home. Here’s how to avoid asbestos exposure.
Asbestos in building construction is often found mixed with other materials such as cement or vinyl. As long as that material remains intact, it is considered safe, since the harm to human health comes from inhaling the asbestos fibres.
You can’t tell what is asbestos or not just by examining it. You will need to have a professional asbestos inspection of your home or property to be sure.
If there is asbestos in your home, you want the material to remain intact. Any work that can open walls or damage those asbestos containing materials can create asbestos fibres. That includes:
- Sawing, drilling, partial or complete wall removal;
- Removing vermiculite insulation (which often contains asbestos);
- Removing old boilers or any pipe insulation (which often contains asbestos);
- Removing old layers of roofing shingles;
- Removing or repairing popcorn ceilings;
- Removing old layers of floor tiles;
- Repairing or replacing old acoustic ceiling tiles.
Liability
Even without considering your own health and that of your family, you could be liable for people who work in your home. You are of course free to work on your own home, but if you hire workers for home renovations and don’t test for asbestos, you can be held liable for any damages. If you have child or elder care workers in your home, housecleaners or others who may be considered in your employ, you can be held liable for their exposure to asbestos.
Let Us Help
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, you can’t afford to cut corners or “save money” while you damage your health and that of your family if the material is disturbed in any way. You can trust the experienced asbestos removal experts 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.
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