More than 38,000 asbestos-related deaths occur globally each year. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in building materials following World War 2. Because of its strength, fire resistance and affordability, it quickly flooded the market. Unfortunately, it was discovered that inhaling asbestos fibres lead to cancer and mesothelioma. In this article, you'll discover how to tell if your drywall has asbestos. You'll also learn what to look for in asbestos removal, Ottawa services.
How Do I Know if There's Asbestos in My Drywall? In 1987, the World Health Organization declared asbestos to be a carcinogen and dangerous to public health. What followed were bans for uses of asbestos in construction and landscaping products. Canada did not ban the mining of asbestos until 2011. Only recently in 2018, the import and export of asbestos was completely banned with very few exceptions. The use of asbestos in residential and commercial buildings widely fell out of use before 1990s. If your property existed before this time, you can almost guarantee you have asbestos. Common uses for asbestos before the 1990s:
Industrial heating systems and furnaces
Vehicle brake pads and transmission components
House siding
Building insulation
Floor and ceiling tiles
Cement and plaster
Before purchasing or remodelling an old home, have it tested for asbestos. What to Look for in an Asbestos Removal, Ottawa Service Because of its prevalence in building materials, many homes may still contain asbestos. Asbestos is safe when sealed behind walls and immovable. The problems occur when building materials crumble and the microscopic fibres become airborne. The Canadian government requires that buildings with asbestos-containing materials enter an Asbestos Management Program. This protects workers and occupants from exposure. The regulations require owners to manage or remove the asbestos through an abatement program. Asbestos testing and removal services vary by company. Some offer general contracting as well as certified removal and abatement. O'Reilly Brothers Ltd is licensed in diagnosing and treating asbestos problems. After determining the level of asbestos on the property, a course of action is determined that includes three types of removal:
Type 1: Treatment of thermal ACM
Type 2: Treatment of Non-thermal ACM
Type 3: Repair and maintenance of ACM prone to disturbance
A certified removal specialist will first secure the area, seal the ACM, and then begin the process of removal. The materials are disposed of according to regulations. Keeping Your Family Safe Asbestos was useful for its longevity and affordability. This means it's going to be around for a long time. The asbestos removal Ottawa service you choose should leave your home cleaner and safer than you found it. O'Reilly Brothers Ltd specializes in insulation, containment and removal of hazardous materials. Keeping your family safe has been a priority since 1967. Contact O'Reilly Brothers Ltd for a free estimate if you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or building.