Compiled and Worded By Megan McKeage, designer at McGeachy Media and Design
Special Thanks to Hazpro Environmental
Asbestos Removal in your home:
Asbestos is a name that we are all familiar with, especially here in Victoria
where most homes are older and probably contain asbestos. “WorkSafe BC
states that if a home is older than 1990 it could contain asbestos. Using the 2011
Census data, we calculated the number of homes within the CRD that are older
than 1990. This amount came to 75% meaning that 75% of homes within the
CRD could have asbestos containing materials”
Asbestos is a thin, fibrous, naturally occurring material that has been used
extensively in building materials due to its tensile strength, sound absorption,
resistance to fire, chemical and electrical damage, as well as it’s availability and
affordability.
Prolonged inhalation to asbestos particles can cause Mesothelioma, an
incurable form of cancer that affects the respiratory system, and almost every
case is caused by exposure to asbestos. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can
cause Asbestosis, which is fibrosis of the lungs, causing decreased breathing
capacity, and makes breathing very difficult.
Planning on doing a renovation?
If your home is older than 1990, then there is a good chance that it may contain
asbestos in some shape or form. The likelihood of having asbestos in your
home increases if you have any of the following materials in your space -
“Drywall, Vinyl Tile, Lathe and plaster, Asbestos duct tape, Sheet vinyl flooring,
Fiber board Ceiling and wall texture coating, Pipe lagging, Roofing, Vermiculite
insulation, Boiler parging, Asbestos siding, Ceiling tiles, Stucco siding, and/or
Roof shingles”
Most asbestos removal companies will be able to test your home for the
presence of asbestos.
The Removal Process
During the removal process, the area that is being remediated will have to
be sealed off. The area is usually sealed off with polyethylene film and is outfitted
with a HEPA filter. The idea is to suck fresh air into to the area to ensure that the
asbestos is contained within the polyethylene barrier.
Throughout this time it is likely that the inhabitants of the home may need
to be relocated – based on where the remediation is taking place, and how much work
needs to be done.
“Hazpro Environmental is a locally owned Vancouver Island company
specializing in abatement, remediation and the safe removal of asbestos, mold,
and other hazardous materials from homes, commercial businesses, hospitals,
schools, and government buildings.”
Credit to Hazpro’s blog for the information – You can find Hazpro online at http://