You may think dangerous building materials like asbestos are a thing of the past but in reality, toxic substances are still present in many buildings. At O’Reilly Brothers, we specialize in the removal of hazardous materials as well as the installation of safe insulating materials. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of abatement.
Abatement: A Matter of Health and Safety Abatement refers to the process of removing and disposing of asbestos and other hazardous materials. Many of the materials used in the past are now known to negatively affect your health. Although they’re no longer permitted in construction, they’re still present in many buildings constructed before the 1990s. Here are five harmful substances commonly found in insulation: 1. Asbestos Before around 1990, asbestos was commonly used in construction because of its insulating properties and resistance to fire. However, as asbestos breaks down, it turns into inhalable particles that pose serious health risks. In time, exposure to asbestos can cause life-threatening conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos must be removed by trained professionals before a building is renovated or demolished to avoid exposure to the toxic particles. 2. Vermiculite Vermiculite insulation presents risks because from 1929 and 1990, most vermiculite came from mines located near asbestos deposits. As a result, buildings with vermiculite insulation have a high chance of asbestos contamination. If your building contains vermiculite insulation, you should have it tested for asbestos as soon as possible. 3. Lead Lead was once commonly used as an additive in all kinds of building materials but can be deadly if it enters your bloodstream. If you suspect lead may be present in your home, you should have an abatement specialist take a sample for testing so the source can be identified and eliminated right away. 4. Mould Although mould isn’t a building material, it can form all over your home, especially in places that are damp and poorly ventilated. Mould can cause health problems and structural damage, so it’s important that you take steps to have the mould professionally removed right away. 5. Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) UFFI was used extensively by construction companies in the 1970s but banned after health concerns started to emerge. UFFI releases the toxic gas formaldehyde, which can cause headaches, nosebleeds, skin rashes and respiratory problems. Insulation and Abatement Solutions in Ottawa If you suspect your home requires insulation abatement, get in touch with O’Reilly Brothers for a free estimate. Our qualified team members are experts in asbestos, vermiculite, lead, mould and UFFI removal and are proud to serve property owners across the Ottawa area. To learn more, contact us today.