Asbestos And Freezing Temperatures

Asbestos was once thought of as a miracle construction material. It certainly has many qualities that make it seem nearly indestructible. Even so, extreme cold can wreak havoc on buildings and materials — including those containing asbestos.

The recent polar vortex and the icy cold air it has brought to the GTA was a nasty surprise for December, especially after a spate of milder weather. Those extremely cold temperatures bring with them a slew of dangers from dangerous driving conditions to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos – The Danger When It Freezes

When pipes freeze over and burst, the resulting flooding can cause damage to ACM or asbestos containing materials. Historically, any structure built before the mid-1980s may have ACM present in a wide range of place such as:

• ceiling tiles,
• popcorn ceilings,
• floor tiles,
• and pipe insulation within walls.

Materials that are intact are deemed safe, however, damage from extreme weather, natural disasters, and even simple renovations can expose asbestos and cause the deadly dust which can be inhaled into the lungs.

One GTA school recently experienced that very situation recently. Asbestos removal was completed at Bishop Scalibrini School in Mississauga over the holiday break after a burst water pipe exposed ACM in flooring. When it was removed, the asbestos was said to be “non-friable” — meaning it was still wet or contained within a compound with other substances.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario has called for a complete ban on asbestos in schools, issuing a media release at the time that said,

“We are concerned for our members, students and school communities as asbestos-containing materials such as ceiling tiles and pipe insulation can be present in aging school buildings within view and within reach.”

Asbestos In Your Home?

If your home contains asbestos or ACM, we can help. You can trust the experienced asbestos removal experts and asbestos remediation experts at Green Stream Environmental to take care of your environmental issues. In the Toronto area contact Environmental 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.