It is always crucial that you stay diligent when it comes to maintaining your home. If you notice any new substances or smells, you should take note immediately and ensure that you get them examined with a designated substance survey. Sometimes, these things can be harmless, but other times, this could be a sign of a dangerous substance in your home. Asbestos is one of the most dangerous substances that could be lurking in your home. Learning how to identify it accurately can go a long way in protecting your family against asbestos inhalation and respiratory diseases. This blog will detail precisely how to identify, approach and deal with asbestos in your home. If you have already identified asbestos in your home, avoid disturbing it and call Inch by Inch Inspections for asbestos removal in Toronto and the GTA. Contact us today for a free quote!
Understanding Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fibre that was previously used for fireproofing and insulating homes, buildings or other commercial structures. The material is naturally occurring, and there are six main types of asbestos, most of which are commonly used.
Asbestos was widely used prior to the 1980’s, as there was little to no public research outlining the material as dangerous. This means that there is a much higher likelihood that older homes may contain asbestos. It wasn’t until the 1980s that it was widely discovered that asbestos was toxic. Some studies suggested a link between asbestos and cancer in the early to mid-1900s, but this research was not widespread enough to garner significant attention. In the 1980s, numerous countries began limiting the use of asbestos, eventually leading to the substance being completely banned in the years following.
Why Asbestos was Banned
The reason asbestos has been banned in numerous countries is because it is highly toxic and harmful to humans. If your home or property contains asbestos, tiny particles of the material can be inhaled, causing diseases. Asbestos has been correlated with respiratory problems and severe forms of cancer, including mesothelioma. Asbestos is well-known for causing:
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly raises the risk of lung cancer, often presenting years after exposure with symptoms like persistent cough and chest pain.
- Mesothelioma: This aggressive cancer, linked almost exclusively to asbestos, affects the lung lining and abdominal cavity, with symptoms including chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Diffuse Pleural Thickening: This condition results in thickened pleural membranes, leading to reduced lung capacity and symptoms such as chest pain and coughing.
- Ovarian Cancer: Asbestos exposure has been associated with increased ovarian cancer risk, often presenting with abdominal pain and bloating.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by asbestos fibres, asbestosis leads to lung scarring and symptoms like a persistent cough and shortness of breath.
How to Identify Asbestos
Asbestos can be present in many different areas of your home, including the walls, ceilings, floors, insulation and cement materials. Knowing how to check for asbestos is critical to accurate identification.
If your home was built in the 1980s or earlier, you are at an increased risk for asbestos, as the substance was more popular back then. Newer homes are less likely to have asbestos, but it is still possible that they do, so be diligent about checking for asbestos if you notice any typical signs of the substance.
Crumbling or damaged insulation could be an indicator of asbestos in your home. If you notice any type of crumbly or fibrous particles coming from your ceiling, roof or vents, these could be asbestos fibres. These fibres are often white and grey and may appear to be fluffy. Asbestos is very fragile, making it prone to crumbling, so if you notice any, do not try to touch it. Avoid making contact with the area and prevent anyone from entering the affected area. Then, call in an expert for asbestos removal in Toronto.
Confirming Asbestos with a Designated Substance Survey
If you suspect you have asbestos in your home after a visual inspection, it is crucial that you call in an experienced remediation company for an asbestos inspection and testing. A designated substance survey can help experts determine if the substance you are dealing with is, in fact, asbestos. Typically, these experts will contain the affected area and safely collect samples of the material for testing. This will accurately identify what the substance actually is, which is essential for the remediation process. Some older types of insulation or even dust may look similar to asbestos. Testing can help avoid any confusion and confirm the presence of harmful asbestos.
What to Do If Asbestos Is Found
If your designated substance survey has determined that your home does contain asbestos, you need to conduct removal as soon as possible. As previously stated, asbestos is highly toxic, and living in it puts you at an increased risk of disease. If your asbestos has been disturbed and fibres have been released, you need to avoid the area. If possible, leave your home until you have conducted asbestos removal.
Inch by Inch Inspections conducts safe and thorough asbestos removal to ensure that you can live in a secure environment. During the removal process, we will contain the affected area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. Then, we will conduct removal and appropriately dispose of the material to prevent it from causing further illness. Oftentimes, additional testing is conducted after removal to ensure that your home is entirely asbestos-free.
Accurately Identify Asbestos for Safe Removal
Maintaining vigilance in your home is key to ensuring safety, especially when it comes to identifying potentially dangerous substances like asbestos. If you notice any unusual materials or smells, don’t hesitate to conduct a professional designated substance survey. Early identification can prevent serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure. If you have already found asbestos in your home, it’s vital to avoid disturbing it and to contact professionals for asbestos removal in Toronto. Protecting your family starts with being informed and taking the proper steps! Call Inch by Inch Inspections today for help with asbestos in your home.