Asbestos Awareness: Dealing with Asbestos in Older Buildings

If you live or work in an older building, chances are you’ve heard about asbestos. This naturally occurring mineral was once widely used in construction due to its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, we now know that asbestos poses serious health risks when disturbed.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of how to deal with asbestos in older buildings, whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or worker.

This article will guide you through what asbestos is, where it can be found, the risks it poses, and what you should do if you think your building contains asbestos. Let’s take a closer look!

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of thin, needle-like fibers. Due to its resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals, it was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, floor tiles, roofing shingles, and more between the 1940s and the 1980s.

The problem with asbestos arises when its fibers become airborne, typically during renovations, repairs, or demolition work. When inhaled, these fibers can become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious health issues over time.

Where Is Asbestos Found in Older Buildings?

Asbestos can be present in many areas of older buildings, especially those built before the 1980s. Common places you might find asbestos include:

• Insulation materials: Asbestos was often used to insulate pipes, boilers, and attics.
• Floor tiles: Many vinyl floor tiles and adhesives from this era contained asbestos.
• Roofing and siding materials: Asbestos was commonly added to roofing shingles, siding, and felt.
• Textured paints and coatings: Some older ceiling and wall textures, such as popcorn ceilings, contained asbestos.
• Cement products: Asbestos was used in cement sheets, pipes, and other materials to increase durability.
• Fireproofing materials: Older fire doors, fire blankets, and gaskets might contain asbestos for fire resistance.

If your home or building was constructed before the mid-1980s, there is a chance that asbestos could be present in some of these materials.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is not harmful if left undisturbed. However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, the tiny fibers can be released into the air. Once airborne, these fibers can be inhaled and cause serious health problems over time, including:

• Asbestosis: A lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung scarring and breathing difficulties.
• Lung cancer: Long-term exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart and is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
• Other respiratory issues: Inhaling asbestos fibers can also lead to chronic respiratory conditions.

The effects of asbestos exposure often don’t show up until many years later, which is why it’s important to take preventive measures, even if you don’t feel any symptoms right away.

What to Do If You Think Your Building Contains Asbestos

If you suspect that your home or building contains asbestos, don’t panic! The most important thing is to avoid disturbing any materials that might contain asbestos. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Don’t disturb suspected asbestos-containing materials: If the asbestos-containing material is intact and in good condition, it’s often best to leave it alone. Asbestos only becomes dangerous when fibers are released into the air.
2. Hire a professional for testing: If you’re planning renovations or if the material is damaged, contact a qualified asbestos professional to test the area. Only trained professionals with the proper equipment should handle asbestos.
3. Follow the professional’s advice: If asbestos is found, the professional will provide you with options on how to handle it. Depending on the situation, the options may include encapsulation (sealing the material) or complete removal by certified asbestos removal experts.
4. Asbestos removal: If asbestos needs to be removed, always hire a licensed professional. Never attempt to remove or handle asbestos yourself. The removal process requires specialized equipment and safety measures to ensure fibers do not become airborne and contaminate your home or building.
5. Monitor any remaining asbestos: If asbestos-containing materials are left in place (because they’re in good condition and not likely to be disturbed), it’s important to monitor them regularly for any signs of damage.

Renovations and Asbestos: Special Precautions

Renovations and repairs can easily disturb asbestos-containing materials, leading to exposure. If you’re planning to remodel or renovate an older building, take extra precautions:

• Get an asbestos survey: Before beginning any renovation work, have an asbestos survey conducted to identify areas that contain asbestos.
• Notify contractors: If you’re hiring contractors, make sure they are aware of the presence of asbestos. They should be trained and equipped to handle asbestos safely.
• Use proper containment procedures: If asbestos removal is necessary, ensure that the area is sealed off to prevent the spread of fibers. Air filtration systems may also be used to capture any airborne fibers.

Asbestos in the Workplace

If you work in an industry where asbestos exposure is possible, such as construction, renovation, or demolition, your employer is required to follow strict occupational health and safety regulations to protect you.

Employers must:

• Conduct risk assessments: Determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present before any work begins.
• Provide protective equipment: If asbestos exposure is possible, workers must be provided with proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators and disposable coveralls.
• Offer asbestos awareness training: Workers should be trained on how to identify asbestos-containing materials and what to do if they encounter them.

Regulations and Compliance

In Canada, strict regulations govern the handling of asbestos, both in homes and workplaces. The Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) and provincial safety authorities provide detailed guidelines for asbestos testing, removal, and safe handling.

In addition, homeowners and landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their tenants, including addressing any asbestos risks in rental properties.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

The key to asbestos safety is awareness and prevention. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family from asbestos exposure:

• Know the age of your building: If your home or workplace was built before the 1980s, be cautious and assume asbestos could be present.
• Avoid DIY asbestos removal: Never attempt to remove asbestos on your own. Always hire professionals for testing and removal.
• Leave undisturbed asbestos alone: If the material containing asbestos is in good condition and won’t be disturbed, it’s best to leave it as is.
• Educate yourself: Learn about the common locations of asbestos in older buildings and take appropriate precautions if you suspect its presence.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hidden danger in many older buildings, but with the right knowledge and precautions, it can be managed safely. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or worker, understanding the risks of asbestos and following proper procedures is crucial for your health and safety.

If you suspect asbestos in your home or workplace, remember: don’t disturb it, get it tested, and leave the removal to the professionals. By taking these steps, you can keep yourself, your family, and your colleagues safe from the hazards of asbestos.