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A Health Hazard
Over A Century Old
Asbestos Safety Guidelines
It’s widely known that asbestos is a dangerous substance that can be found in commercial spaces, industrial locations, and more commonly in old homes. Asbestos was widely used in construction in the late 19th century up until around the late 1970s when the danger to humans became more widely known. It has since become a very heavily regulated substance. It’s important for your health to ensure that you know the facts about asbestos, where it can be found, and how to deal with it safely. First Response Cleaning is happy to provide you with all the information that you need to know.
What Is Asbestos?
First Response Asbestos Guide
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is composed of a structure of thin fibers. It was widely used in construction because it was:
- Strong & Durable
- Cheap
- A Sound Insulator
- A Heat Insulator
- Incredibly Fire Resistant
- Resistant to Chemicals
- Water Resistant
- Resistant to Electricity
This long list of benefits makes it easy to see how asbestos was viewed as one of the best construction materials around. What people failed to understand for decades was how asbestos affects humans.
Why Is Asbestos Hazardous?
The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibres break off in dust-sized bits and become airborne very easily when the product containing it is agitated. These fibres can then be inhaled by unsuspecting people nearby. It was discovered in the early 19th century that there was an abnormally high risk of early death among asbestos workers. Long-term exposure to asbestos was found to lead to lung diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, a form of cancer that forms on the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
How Much Asbestos Exposure Is Harmful?
Prolonged Exposure to Asbestos
It takes quite a lot of repeated exposure to asbestos to develop related conditions. Longer periods of heavy exposure increase the risk of asbestos-related disease. In fact, about 20% of asbestos workers who are heavily exposed develop an asbestos related disease. The likelihood of developing a serious illness is lower in residential homes, but prolonged exposure over many years can lead to these diseases developing. Even heavy short-term exposure can lead to a disease developing years later. Studies and reports conducted on asbestos have concluded that there is no evidence of a threshold or safe level of exposure.
Where Asbestos Can Be Found In The Home?
Household Areas That Might Have Asbestos
Asbestos was used as an additive in most construction materials that were used before 1980. Buildings that were built before this time could contain asbestos in:
- Cement
- Roof Shingles
- Steam Pipes
- Ceiling and Floor Tiles
- Textured Paint
- Spray-On Insulation
This puts DIY renovators and general contractors at great risk when working on older homes. Common scenarios that lead to asbestos exposure include attic renovations, drilling into drywall, removing vinyl floor tiles, popcorn ceiling removal, and cutting insulation on old pipes to name a few.
How Can I Tell If I Have Asbestos In My Home?
Asbestos Safety Guidelines
Asbestos is incredibly difficult to identify just by looking at it. Samples need to be tested in a lab to be confirmed as asbestos. Homeowners should not take these samples themselves, since touching materials that have asbestos in it will kick up toxic dust, even if the material is in good condition. Instead, they should contact a licensed and certified expert in asbestos testing and removal, like First Response, to come and take a sample to test. If the sample is confirmed to be asbestos, then we can get to work right away on removing any trace of it in the home.
When You Should Have Your Home Tested For Asbestos?
Professional Asbestos Removal Services
Given the severe consequences of asbestos exposure, it is imperative to have your home tested if it hasn’t been tested and confirmed to be free of asbestos. If you are moving into a home built before 1980, and the seller didn’t confirm that there is no asbestos, then it is important to get it tested to be sure so you can have a professional conduct an asbestos abatement right away and eliminate the risk for exposure. If this applies to you, or you would like peace of mind knowing that you are not exposed to asbestos in your home, then contact First Response Cleaning today for asbestos testing and removal services.
Asbestos Testing In
Kingston & Belleville
Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used to build materials due to its durability and usability in the industrial and construction industries. Asbestos is classified as a carcinogen and can also cause numerous respiratory problems including: Asbestosis and Mesothelioma. Asbestos has been used as a general insulation for pipes, boilers, tanks and ducts.
During building renovations, expansions or demolitions, this material can be disrupted and becomes an airborne carcinogen as well as a danger to anyone in the vicinity. If you think that you may be living in a space that contains asbestos contact First Response to receive a professional asbestos assessment.
Client Testimonials
“Timothy B.”
Ryan and his team were excellent to work with. Ryan answered all our questions and concerns with great detail and always had time for us.
Timothy B.
“Frederic B.”
They were punctual and courteous and patient. We would definitely use this company in the future should need be.
Frederic B.
“Sue P.”
They were amazing to deal with and professional. We are happy to suggest them to anyone who needs help with mold.
Sue P.
Julie D.
Ryan was able to address my questions and concerns. It was nice to deal with a business that’s quick to respond and willing to accommodate customer needs.
Julie D.
Matt P.
Big thank you to Ryan and his team! I hope I never need mold clean up again, but if I do, I’ll be calling First Response!
Matt P.
Patrick L.
I would recommend them to anybody who is in need of their services. They made a tough time easier to deal with.
Patrick L.
Our Ontario Asbestos Abatement Service Areas
First Response Cleaning has Cornwall Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Cornwall asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
First Response Cleaning has Kemptville Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Kemptville asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
First Response Cleaning has Belleville Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Belleville asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
First Response Cleaning has Perth Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Perth asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
First Response Cleaning has Brockville Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Brockville asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
First Response Cleaning has Kingston Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Kingston asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
First Response Cleaning has Gananoque Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Gananoque asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
First Response Cleaning has Renfrew Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Renfrew asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
First Response Cleaning has Hastings County Covered For Asbestos Abatement
For Hastings County asbestos abatement that is thorough, dependable and backed by years of experience, trust the professional crews from First Response. We make sure asbestos is handled & removed safely.
Contact Us
First Response is Ottawa’s extreme deep cleaning service. We are IICRC and ABRA certified crime scene cleaning specialists and have the experience, expertise and equipment you need.
Ottawa Location
2710 Lancaster Rd, Ottawa, ON
Kingston Location
1600 Bath Road Suite 408, Kingston, ON K7M 4X6
Phone Number
613-979-2795
Email Address
info@firstresponsecleaning.ca
Contact Us
First Response is Ottawa & Eastern Ontario’s extreme deep cleaning service. We are IICRC and ABRA certified crime scene cleaning specialists and have the experience, expertise and equipment you need.
Ottawa Location
103-2710 Lancaster Rd, Ottawa, ON
Kingston Location
1600 Bath Road Suite 408, Kingston, ON K7M 4X6
Phone Number
Email Address