Asbestos is an extremely dangerous mineral to inhale, but do we need to remove it in order to be safe in our homes or business’? This is a common question, the moment you learn about asbestos the thought goes through our mind. How will it impact you? Are you safe while in the building? Do you need to leave the building and have it removed? We’ll answer these questions here.
Do I have Asbestos in My Home?
If your home was built prior to the 1990’s, chances are asbestos containing materials are present in your home or building. Asbestos was used in more than 3000 building materials, as such, the chances are high some were used in yours. The only way to be sure is to have a trained professional walk through the building looking for asbestos containing materials. As professionals, we’re trained on which materials to look for that may contain asbestos. Once we find these suspect materials, they need to be tested by a lab to diagnose if there is in fact asbestos present in the material.
When Should I Have My Home or Building Tested for Asbestos?
There are 2 important times where you should have your home tested for asbestos
1. You should have your home or building tested for asbestos prior to completing any renovations, construction or demolition of any area that has not been completely renovated after 1990. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a local asbestos removal technician prior to the commencement of any such project.
2. If there is any breakage, cracking or damage of such potential materials, there is a high chance that asbestos would be released. Materials are made in a way that asbestos was bound into the materials, as long as the material is intact, not damaged in any way and undisturbed, it should be safe and you would not need testing until renovation, construction or demolition.
Do I Need To Leave The Building Until I Find Out If Asbestos Is Present?
If the materials are undisturbed, you will not have to leave the building or area. As mentioned building materials that are undamaged, intact and undisturbed, are most likely safe. If you have materials that are damaged, you should have them inspected for asbestos. It would be best to have any occupants leave that area and quarantine it off until you are sure there is no asbestos present.
Am I Safe While in A Building if There Is Known Asbestos?
If there is known asbestos present in the building, these materials are safe unless they are damaged, cracked or disturbed in any way. If asbestos was tested and found, at times adding cautionary measures such as binding agents, signage or containing the materials is all they require until renovations are completed. The best method is to have them removed at all times however it’s not always possible or feasible.
Do I Need to Leave During Abatement?
If abatement is required, all occupants must leave the area or sometimes even leave the building until the asbestos abatement is completed. Home abatement requires that all occupants leave the building for the entire duration of abatement until it is deemed safe by air testing. Some larger commercial buildings can remain open however the area under abatement must be quarantined off and there would be regular air quality testing to monitor the air quality outside the chamber.
Conclusion
If you aren’t completing any renovations, construction or demolition and there aren’t any damaged building materials, there is no need to be concerned about asbestos floating through the air, if you have any questions or are concerned, please do not hesitate to contact your local asbestos abatement professional, different areas have different regulations and as such they would be able to help you best.
If you’re in the Winnipeg, Manitoba area, please give us a call, we would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to comment below!
Q: Has there been any health concerns in your home or building? What did you do?
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