Asbestos and Flooding

A recent landlord/tenant dispute highlights the dangers of asbestos and flooding.

In a case that occurred in Calgary, Alberta, a tenant faced eviction after withholding the rent from their apartment. Their reason? Flooding (four times in 16 months) and asbestos floor tiles.

We can’t comment on the rent dispute. But, we can underscore the dangerous combination of flooding and asbestos.

Asbestos – the flood risk
Asbestos isn’t necessarily the first issue that might come to mind when you think of a flood. However, with weather – and precipitation – so unpredictable in Toronto and the GTA, it’s an increasing risk.

• Asbestos was once used in over 3,000 products in the construction business.
• As in the case of the flooded apartment, asbestos was often mixed with other materials such as vinyl, linoleum or concrete.

When it comes to asbestos, the risk is primarily in asbestos dust, which can be inhaled into the lungs. Once it is there, the body can not remove it. Over time, it causes cellular damage, and can result in lung issues, including cancers and mesothelioma.

So, how does flooding create dust??

It works like this:

• While asbestos is nearly indestructible, the materials it has been combined with are not.
• Flooding damages those materials, and when they dry, they begin to crumble.

Asbestos in your home?
If your home was built before the mid-1980s, it contains asbestos in one for or another. It may appear, literally, from floor to ceiling, and even the attic and roof.

The danger to human health from asbestos is very real, and has been documented by researchers all over the world. Asbestos takes decades to develop, and is now the leading cause of workplace deaths in Canada.

Let us help. If you have asbestos anywhere in your home, let us help with the next step: asbestos removal. Our experienced and certified asbestos removal and asbestos remediation technicians can help keep you and your family safe. In the Toronto area call 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.