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Learn what asbestos is, the dangers it poses, and how to safely remove it from your home.
Asbestos — you’ve likely heard the term but might not fully understand how it was used or how dangerous it can be. This guide explains what asbestos is, the risks it poses, how to identify it, and the safe steps for removing it from your home.
What's Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and rock. It has several useful properties, including chemical and heat resistance, strength, and fireproofing. Because of these qualities, asbestos was once a common additive in many products such as insulation, pipes, bricks, and fireplace cement.
Asbestos was used extensively in home construction from the early 1940s through the 1970s, before being largely phased out during the 1980s.
In homes built before 1975, asbestos is often found as thermal insulation on basement boilers, ductwork, and pipes. Due to the serious health risks associated with exposure, Canada banned asbestos in 2019.
What Kinds of Asbestos Are There?
There are three main types of asbestos: white, blue, and brown.
Blue asbestos (Crocidolite) is considered the most hazardous. It was commonly used in spray-on coatings, cement products, and pipe insulation. Its fibres are very thin and distinctly blue.
Brown asbestos (Amosite) was the second most widely used type and carries a higher cancer risk than other forms. It was often used in insulation boards, pipe insulation, and thermal insulation products.
White asbestos (Chrysotile) was the most commonly used type and can be found in flooring, roofing, ceilings, and walls. Many older buildings still contain materials made with chrysotile. Its fibres are white and curly in appearance.
TO GET A FREE ESTIMATE What Are the Dangers of Asbestos?
Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues, including cancer and lung disease.
AsbestosisWhen asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause scarring in the lungs. This scarring makes it harder for oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass in and out, leading to breathing difficulties.
Asbestosis typically develops in people who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos over long periods of time. Symptoms may take many years to appear.
Pleural DiseasePleural disease is a non-cancerous condition that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. The pleural membranes may become thickened either across large areas or in isolated spots, and fluid can sometimes build up around the lungs.
Not everyone with pleural disease experiences breathing difficulties, but in some cases it can lead to reduced lung function.
Lung CancerLung cancer occurs when a malignant tumour develops in the lungs, blocking the air passages. The risk of lung cancer is significantly higher for people who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos fibres.
MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the membrane covering the lungs and chest cavity. It can also occur in the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or, in rare cases, other organs. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 40 years after asbestos exposure.
How to Spot Asbestos
If your home was built before 1975, there are a few warning signs to look out for when doing repairs or renovations. Red flags include cracked siding, crumbling drywall, or broken and discoloured floor tiles. You should also watch for damaged shingles, fraying pipe insulation, old cement roofing, and brittle coatings or ceiling tiles.
Keep in mind that finding any of these materials does not automatically mean your home contains asbestos. The only way to confirm its presence is through professional testing.
When left undisturbed, asbestos generally does not pose a risk to homeowners. However, if you plan to carry out repairs or have duct cleaning done, all asbestos should be professionally sealed or removed first. This prevents the material from being disturbed and releasing dangerous fibres into the air.
There are no health risks if asbestos-containing materials are sealed beneath floorboards or behind walls, isolated in attics or basements, or tightly bound in products that are still in good condition.
How Does Asbestos Removal Work?
Asbestos repair usually involves either sealing or covering the asbestos material. Sealing is done by applying a specialized sealant that binds the fibres together or coats the material so fibres cannot be released. This method is often used for furnace, boiler, and pipe insulation.
Covering involves placing a protective jacket or wrap around the asbestos-containing material to prevent fibres from escaping.
These procedures should only be handled by a licensed professional trained in asbestos repair and removal. Attempting to do it yourself is not recommended, as mishandling asbestos can increase exposure risks and create more problems.
If you suspect asbestos is present in your home, hire a qualified asbestos removal specialist before starting any renovation or duct cleaning project. Avoid disturbing asbestos yourself to protect your health and your family’s safety.
Always check with your provincial or territorial workplace safety authority to confirm the certifications and qualifications required in your area.
Who Can Help Me With Asbestos Testing and Removal?
While the experts at Advanced Air Quality cannot perform asbestos testing or removal, we can recommend trusted companies in the Ottawa area.
Once asbestos has been properly managed, Advanced Air Quality can help ensure your home’s air is safe by providing professional duct cleaning services.
Partner With Advanced Air Quality for Air Duct Cleaning
Educating yourself about asbestos is important, especially if you own an older home. While the presence of asbestos is not always an immediate concern, it’s essential to know when to contact professionals for proper intervention.
The air duct cleaning experts at Advanced Air Quality are here to help you and your family breathe cleaner, healthier air. Contact us today to learn more about our duct cleaning services.
DISCOVER WHY WE’RE THE #1 CHOICE IN OTTAWA FOR AIR DUCT CLEANING SERVICES.
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