The name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals, asbestos has been utilized in thousands of
applications all over the world. It rose to prominence more than a century ago as the main choice of insulation in homes, buildings and many other construction uses. Its unique characteristics as flame resistant and highly durable made it a highly sought out material.
Asbestos is most likely to appear in homes and properties built prior to 1980. This is because that is around the time the public became aware of its health damaging nature. Homes constructed in the 1990s even have a chance of housing asbestos because vermiculite insulation came from a mine that contained a large amount of asbestos.
As a home or property owner, you can avoid exposure by taking some easy precautions. While a professional Canada home inspection cannot identify asbestos in a home (it is beyond the scope of home inspections), an inspector can alert homebuyers or homeowners to the potential for asbestos containing materials.
Asbestos Healthy Tips
A home inspection is extremely important in a variety of scenarios. In order to protect your investment, professional consultants can provide an evaluation of the home. Your home may need structural inspections or even renovations and a home inspector can identify any materials that will be a problem. Consultants will identify material defects in structures and components of the home, in adherence to regulations and standards.
When dealing with any suspected asbestos, sometimes the best action is no action at all because as long as it remains undisturbed, it probably will not be in a hazardous state. Known as friable asbestos, this means that it has been disturbed or damaged. When it is in this state, it will be a problem because its toxic fibers can become airborne. Sealing vents and doors is also a good option until a professional can examine the situation. As a home or property owner, asbestos usually has appeared in roof shingles, attic insulation, pipe coverings, joint compounds, electrical wires, furnace cement, fire brick and gaskets.
When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled by an individual, this is where significant concern arises. A form of asbestos lung cancer known as mesothelioma can develop when exposed. This chronic illness usually receives poor prognosis from physicians due to the difficulty diagnosing it. A mesothelioma life span for a patient after diagnosis has been made is not as positive as one would hope. With the right amount of awareness and education, it is completely avoidable and preventable to keep yourself away from asbestos!
Asbestos Removal & Healthy Alternatives
Asbestos removal in public facilities, workplaces and homes must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic substances. The Health Canada Asbestos Program can assists citizens and homeowners with pertinent information in regards to the usefulness of a home inspection and the safe handling/removal of asbestos. (If necessary) These types of public programs help protect and promote the physical and environmental health of citizens of Canada from asbestos exposure.
There are many alternatives that replace the need for asbestos and can reduce energy costs annually such as: cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. Cotton fiber is quickly becoming a favorite for home builders and renovators. Made from recycled batted material, it is also treated to be fireproof. Lcynene is a high performance safe foam insulation that has quickly become an industry standard for its high efficiency and safe qualities. These alternatives provide the same insulation qualities as asbestos and are safe for use.
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