Learn How to Safely Handle Asbestos

May 27, 2022


Asbestos removal can be a big problem for homeowners, contractors, and property managers. It’s important to have this hazardous material eliminated from residential, commercial, or industrial buildings because it can lead to respiratory problems such as inflammation, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. If you’re doing renovations or repairs, there’s a risk of exposure if materials containing asbestos aren’t handled properly.


A professional asbestos testing company can properly test and inspect for this toxic material. It’s the best way to ensure compliance with regulations and keep you and others safe from exposure. 


In this article, we’ll take a look at why it’s crucial to know what to do if you think there is asbestos in your home or building. We’ll cover the most likely places where you’ll find it, and why you should never attempt to do asbestos removal on your own.


What is asbestos and why is it important to handle it safely?


Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in rock and soil. At one time, it was used extensively in construction and manufacturing for the many benefits it offered. Not only is asbestos flexible, cheap, and strong, it’s also resistant to heat, water, chemicals, and electricity.

If left intact, asbestos usually isn’t dangerous. It becomes a health hazard when it is mishandled and its tiny fibers are released into the air. Typically, this occurs during repairs, renovations, or if the material containing asbestos is damaged. Once inhaled, the fibers can lodge in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, thus leading to serious health problems.


Where is asbestos usually found?


Before 1990, asbestos was widely used to insulate buildings against harsh weather, noise, and for fireproofing. It also has other functions, and many buildings and homes still contain asbestos.


Older buildings and homes are more likely to contain this hazardous material. Common areas where asbestos is found include floor and ceiling tiles, cement and plaster, heating systems, vinyl floor tiling, roofing and siding shingles, sprayed coating and textured paints, and within heat-resistant fabrics.


What should you do if you think there is asbestos in your house?


Asbestos can be difficult to detect by visual inspection, and if not clearly labeled, it is hard to identify. Dealing with asbestos depends upon the condition and location. A sample needs to be taken by a licensed asbestos surveyor who can test the areas you think may contain this hazardous material. Even if there’s not an issue, the area should be monitored for any signs of deterioration.


Why you should not remove asbestos yourself


Asbestos exposure is exceptionally hazardous, and no level of contact is safe. Even a few fibers can potentially cause serious health problems over time. Hiring an asbestos testing company that has experience working with this dangerous material is the safest and easiest way to deal with it. They have specialized tools and materials to perform asbestos testing that will eliminate the risk of tiny fibres releasing into the air.


Contact Us


Regardless of how handy you are around the home, some jobs are simply too dangerous to do yourself. Seek professional advice if you suspect there is asbestos in your home before doing any repairs or renovations.


The Healthy Abode Inc. can do Asbestos Management Surveys, Asbestos Testing, and Asbestos Inspection (both Initial and Clearance), and can write Scopes of Work for asbestos abatement in compliance with Ontario regulations.


Call us for an estimate at 416-901-7527 or fill out the online contact form. We can give you peace of mind by providing a completed asbestos report in as little as one business day.

Understanding Asbestos Testing Methods

July 6, 2022
There are many types of asbestos testing methods. This means professionals have options to meet anyone’s specific commercial or residential needs. It also means if you’re not a professional, there is more confusion about what’s best for you. Whether it’s having your air, bulk building materials, soil, or water tested, there are particular methods of asbestos testing that will give you accurate results. Keep reading to learn more about the methods and why you need to contact the experts today. Airborne Asbestos Phase contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy methods are used to test for airborne asbestos. Both methods test your air to identify the presence and level of asbestos in your air. If you’re renovating an old home, tearing down a house or project, or buying building materials and storing them in a garage or shed, you should have your air tested. Bulk Building Materials X-ray diffraction and polarized light microscopy are commonly used for asbestos testing in bulk building materials. Some building materials that commonly contain asbestos include textured plaster walls, window and door caulking, linoleum flooring, and more. If you work in a warehouse or a home with these materials, don’t wait to schedule a test. If there are dangerous levels found within the testing methods, our trained professionals will start the asbestos removal process. Removal should always be done by a professional, and you should not return to the site until you are given clearance. Your safety is our top priority which is why we ensure all our services are in compliance with Ontario regulations. Settled Dust and Non-Building Materials If you’re working or living in a space with settled dust or with features like popcorn ceilings and duct wrap, you likely need testing. Although settled dust on a job site or home renovation seems harmless, it could contain dangerous amounts of asbestos that need to be removed immediately. We take three or more samples to ensure that we have a good reading on your space before sending the samples off to the lab. Soil and Sediment Depending on your location, you may have a safe home or commercial building built on dangerous soil. Even if all the building materials are safe, you could be in danger if you live or work on infected soil and sediment. We take multiple soil samples in your immediate area to gather representative data. As a certified and accredited business , we use the best testing methods for every unique situation, including soil testing, to bring you accurate test results that you can count on. Water and Other Aqueous Samples The final form of sampling that we offer is water and aqueous asbestos testing . Although it’s not commonly thought of regarding asbestos, it’s important to test the water in areas that may have been infected. We collect three or more samples to test the levels in your residential or commercial building. This could save you and your loved ones from unknowingly drinking or using dangerous water. Contact us to Protect Your Assets Today! If you think your residential or commercial building may be in danger of asbestos, call us at (416) 901-7527 or fill out our online contact form to speak with one of our trained professionals. Your health, your family’s health, and your customer’s health are everything. Act now to schedule an appointment for us to test your space and keep your most valuable assets safe.

What Homeowners Need to Know About Asbestos Safety

December 6, 2021
When buying a home, you may worry about hidden hazards that could come out at a later date. If you have the time, you can perform thorough testing of your home for unwanted materials. However, what if you have already completed a home inspection and found asbestos? How do you know what to do, or if your house is safe?  Here, we will address the issues surrounding asbestos, learn how to identify it, and explain what homeowners can do to protect their health and safety. Learn When the Building was Built Houses constructed before 1970 likely have asbestos in their walls, pipes, and insulation. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, once commonly used to strengthen building materials and for fireproofing, but its health hazards have been known for a long time. Finding out when your home was built will help you see if it is safe from asbestos. If it was built after 1970, when bans on asbestos used in construction first began, you likely don’t have to worry about it. If your home was built before 1970, or you can't find the approximate date, there may be a risk of asbestos exposure, and you should consider getting asbestos testing done. Learn the Local Code with Regard to Asbestos If you suspect that asbestos is present in your home's walls, ceiling, or flooring, you may want to consider hiring a professional for asbestos removal. Always follow the EPA and local guidelines when removing asbestos. These guidelines suggest wearing an N100 respirator, covering the work areas with plastic sheeting, placing plastic over door thresholds with duct tape, and wetting down the site to be cleaned. Some professionals offer portable HEPA vacuums for small, quick cleanups instead of taking samples that require bagging and storing. Determine Whether Asbestos is Present Before Starting Construction The best way to deal with asbestos is not to have it in the first place. It is always wise to conduct a pre-construction asbestos survey before any building works begin as there could be dangerous levels of asbestos in the existing buildings. Pre-construction surveys can save you time and money, as removal may take several weeks, and hiring tradespeople to do it properly can be costly. In addition, exposure to asbestos fibres can cause health problems, including lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Be Proactive About Your Health An important thing to learn is where asbestos is found in the home. The answer is that it can be found in attics or other insulated locations. Uses of asbestos include fibreglass insulation, pipe covering, floor tiles, fireproof places, and building materials. If you own an older building, you should be mindful of the risks. Asbestos exposure is a suspected cause of cancer, and having it in your home may increase the risk of cancer for you and your family members. If you decide to have work done on your building, use caution and the necessary safety equipment to protect yourself from the dangers of asbestos. Get Your Home Tested for Materials Containing Asbestos Asbestos poses the most significant risk when its fibres are disturbed and released into the air. Breathing these fibres can cause health conditions such as mesothelioma and other medical problems. To locate asbestos-containing materials, you should hire a professional asbestos testing service. At The Healthy Abode in Toronto, we use the latest technology and equipment to do a full inspection of your ceilings, windows, water heaters, air conditioners, floors, and other asbestos-prone areas. Call us today at 416-901-7527 or book an appointment online .

Selecting the Right Mold Removal Company

November 2, 2021
Mold removal, especially when it comes to your home, is serious business. The mold that grows indoors can cause allergic reactions, sneezing, skin rashes, and respiratory infections. Many companies will market themselves as mold removal experts, but how can you be sure they will deliver the professional service you expect and deserve? The Healthy Abode has put together this insightful article to help you navigate your options when it comes to hiring a mold remediation company. Let’s get to it. Do Your Research Make sure you perform your due diligence. The mold removal company you choose should have the necessary experience to complete any mold removal work effectively. You should always read through their website, qualifications, and certifications, and don’t be afraid to call and ask for further information. You can do various things to be sure that you are hiring a reputable mold inspection and removal company. Read through the services they advertise to understand what exactly they entail. A credible company’s services should include an initial inspection, containment, mold cleaning and removal, and a final inspection. Additionally, you can request a copy of the mold removal protocol and a detailed description of the scope of work to be performed. Mold removal is a niche service, so it’s always best to work with a professional team that has this specific knowledge. Ask the Right Questions It’s recommended to always ask about a company’s experience and qualifications. You should look for specific certifications for mold removal and remediation, indoor air quality, and water damage restoration. By thoroughly vetting a mold inspection company, you can rest assured that they will deliver quality services when working in your home. You want to make sure the health and safety of your family are protected at all times. Here is a list of additional questions that you may want to ask: Does the company have proper liability insurance in place for mold removal? The policy must clearly state that they will be working with mold. Does the company carry a certificate issued by IICRC (The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration)? The certificate confirms that their technicians are appropriately trained on mold removal procedures. Is the company offering to fully remove the mold or just cover it up? You don’t want them to simply seal the mold. You need to ensure it’s completely removed from your property. Is the company willing to provide you with a written guarantee regarding their work? Refer to Your Budget As crucial as mold testing and removal services are, you still need to be conscious of your budget. We all want to secure the best service on the market, but that might not be attainable for everyone. By thoroughly conducting your due diligence and requesting estimates from multiple companies, you can strategically narrow down your options to suit your budget. Ask for Referrals Friends, family, and co-workers are excellent parties to ask for referrals. If someone else has used a company in the past and had a wonderful experience, this goes a long way. Sometimes, this can be more convincing for certain people than reading through website reviews. A combined analysis of all thoughts and opinions will help a great deal in selecting a high-quality mold removal company. Contact Us Today The Healthy Abode is a fully certified and insured mold remediation company that proudly serves Toronto and the GTA. If you are looking for a first-class mold removal company, please give us a call at 416-901-7527 or visit our website today.
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