Finding asbestos in your home can be scary because asbestos is linked to numerous severe health conditions. Luckily, Grimebusters offers asbestos removal and abatement services to Edmonton residents. Are you at risk of exposure to asbestos, or understand what asbestos is? Keep reading to learn about asbestos and if your home may have it. If you should find that your home does contain asbestos, we offer solutions below.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos, while often said in the same breath as mould, is not at all like mould. Mould is a fungus that can grow in damp areas, whereas asbestos is actually a name for six different types of naturally occurring fibrous materials that were mined and used in home builds due to their fire-resistant qualities. These materials can be found in attics, ceiling popcorn, cement, packing materials, and more. In the late 1990s, it became apparent that asbestos can cause lung cancer. In Canada in 2018, it became illegal to mine for asbestos, yet there are still old homes out there today that contain asbestos.
Why Asbestos is Dangerous
Asbestos is considered a friable material, meaning it can crumble into a powder when dry. In powder form, it can easily enter your lungs and put you at risk for lung scarring when inhaled. In addition, there are long-term health effects when surrounded by asbestos. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are the primary concerns. Each of these has been well documented as a high risk for those around asbestos.
Houses constructed before the 1990s are at risk of containing asbestos. If you plan to renovate and have a home built before 1990, you may be at risk for asbestos exposure. For homes that contain asbestos, you will be able to find them in many locations in Edmonton homes.
What To Do If Your Home Has Asbestos
Asbestos abatement is best for your Edmonton home if you find asbestos. If you have a specialist evaluate your home and find asbestos, it does not mean that your home is unsafe. For example, a sealed-off attic that contains asbestos should not be a significant health hazard. But renovations and remodelling can loosen asbestos when drywall, insulation, reinforcements, sealants, shingles, and more are disturbed or destroyed. This is why contacting a specialist to assess your home before starting renovations is important. The health implications of renovating with asbestos in your home could be severe.
Always contact a professional to remove the asbestos for you, as asbestos requires specific handling.
Grimebusters can help you with asbestos abatement as Edmonton works towards safer, asbestos-free homes. Never attempt to tackle asbestos removal on your own. The Grimebusters team is fully trained to remove asbestos safely with our specialized equipment and processes.
The Grimebusters Solution
Grimebusters puts their clients’ health and safety as their priority. Let us rid your home of asbestos for you through our asbestos abatement services in Edmonton. Our team takes care to thoroughly decontaminate your home in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact Grimebusters if you think you are at risk of asbestos exposure in your home.