Asbestos was used in the mid-1980s in many construction materials to enhance the durability and performance of essential building materials. Pipe wrap and insulation were commonly made with asbestos. Today, those applications that still exist are at risk of polluting homes and indoor spaces, eventually resulting in asbestos exposure. To learn more about how to prevent illness from pipe asbestos and to protect your indoor air quality, consult the Inch By Inch Inspections team about conducting a home air quality testing and asbestos inspection inspection in Oakville. If our experts identify concentrations of the mineral in your pipes, we can provide safe asbestos removal in Oakville.
Why Asbestos Pipes are a Hazard
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Asbestos-containing materials in pipes were once a standard for their heat-resistant qualities, essential in systems where high temperatures were commonplace. However, as these materials age, they can deteriorate or become damaged, releasing asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres are so small they are invisible to the naked eye. Once airborne, they can be inhaled or ingested unknowingly by occupants, posing serious health risks like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Asbestosis.
What Can Trigger Airborne Asbestos Fibres in Your Pipes
In a neutral and contained environment, asbestos typically does not pose an immediate risk to occupants of a property. However, when asbestos-containing materials degrade over time or with contact from machinery, air, or even water, the mineral can enter a friable state in which it can quickly become airborne.
Some common triggers that can disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your plumbing and heating systems:
- Renovations and Repairs: Any home improvement activities that involve cutting, sanding, or disturbing structures can potentially disturb asbestos-containing materials. This is especially true in older homes where asbestos was used in pipe insulation. Professional contractors must be informed of potential asbestos materials before starting work. The best way to detect a hazard preventatively is to conduct a designated substance survey or schedule an asbestos inspection in Oakville with the experts at Inch By Inch Inspections.
- Aging and Deterioration: Over time, asbestos-containing materials can deteriorate due to environmental factors such as humidity and temperature changes. As these materials age, they can become friable, meaning they crumble easily under hand pressure and can release fibres into the air. If you suspect that existing asbestos-containing pipe materials are already airborne, stay in that area and book a home air quality test to determine whether asbestos removal in Oakville is required.
- Physical Impact: Bumping into asbestos-covered pipes with heavy objects or during the movement of furniture and large appliances can cause the brittle asbestos materials to release fibres.
- Improper Handling: Attempting to remove or repair asbestos insulation without proper safety measures and equipment can lead to significant fibre release. DIY projects in areas with asbestos materials can inadvertently disturb these fibres, leading to airborne contamination. Pipe materials containing hazardous minerals must be always handled by trusted and experienced professionals like Inch By Inch Inspections. We offer professional, comprehensive, and safe asbestos removal in Oakville to keep you and your property safe.
- System Maintenance and Installation: Work on HVAC systems and other utilities that are in close proximity to asbestos-insulated pipes can disturb the asbestos, especially if the work involves high levels of vibration, contact or even air pressure changes.
How to Know If There Is Asbestos in Your Pipes
The best way to identify whether your pipes are contaminated or manufactured with asbestos is to schedule an expert asbestos inspection in Oakville. Signs you may need to book a home air quality test and eventually asbestos removal is the age of your home and visible damage to the pipes. Properties built in the late 1980s are most likely to have used asbestos-containing materials due to the popularity of the mineral and its many benefits. Because asbestos is not always easy to identify by sight, an inspection from our professionals allows you to safely detect harmful contaminants in your pipes so you can proceed with repairs and pipes safely.
Protect Your Pipes and Home with Asbestos Removal in Oakville
Exposure to asbestos is a serious health risk, but with proactive measures and smart asbestos removal strategies with professionals in Oakville, the risk of asbestos exposure can be managed. With Inch By Inch Inspections, you can find and eliminate traces of the mineral in your pipes so you can live more comfortably and safely within your home. When you choose certified and experienced experts for air quality testing, designated substance surveys, and asbestos removal, we deliver timely, strategic, and effective results, prioritizing communication and property containment.