The Warning Signs That Asbestos is in Your Home

If you’re wondering what are the warning signs that asbestos is in your home, you don’t have to look very far.

In a recent survey conducted in Toronto and Montreal, Quebec, Canada, a whopping 80% of Canadians have no idea whether or not they’re living with asbestos. The truth is that it can be very difficult to tell if you have asbestos in your home. That is why Inch By Inch offers services like asbestos testing in Toronto and asbestos removal in Toronto. Before you call the professionals, you can take steps to ensure that you and your family are living in a safe environment by being aware of the warning signs and understanding the risks associated with asbestos exposure. 

What Is Asbestos 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used to insulate buildings and homes. Asbestos could also be found in your home if it was built before 1985, as this material was very popular back then. The material can be found in common building materials like drywall, insulation, and roofing shingles. The good news is that there are warning signs that indicate whether or not asbestos has been present in your house, and asbestos testing in Toronto can definitively tell you if you have asbestos in your home. 

Homeowners should be on the lookout for asbestos if they have ever used any type of fireproofing material, like sprays, pads or trowels. This can potentially be found in the basement or attic. 

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The Risks Of Asbestos Exposure 

The biggest risk with asbestos is that it can lead to the development of cancer later in life. That’s because asbestos is made up of tiny fibers that are released into the air when it becomes damaged. The concern is that some of these materials can become damaged or crumble over time, causing asbestos fibers to release into the air. These fibers become lodged in your lungs through inhaling asbestos fibers and can lead to a number of health problems, including mesothelioma, a form of cancer. 

Be Careful When Renovating 

Before anyone starts doing any repairs or renovations, they should protect themselves and those around them by having a trained professional perform asbestos testing in Toronto. Just like how the asbestos removal in Toronto process would go, a trained professional will go in and test for asbestos in certain areas throughout the home. It is also recommended to hire a trained professional to ensure the area around the asbestos material is protected properly. 

Warning Signs Of Asbestos 

• Your home was built between 1940-1970
• The presence of asbestos insulation or ceiling tiles
• The presence of an unusual amount of dust on surfaces in your home
• A vermiculite fireplace
• You have vinyl tile flooring 
• You have popcorn ceilings
• The presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as insulation, floor tiles, or roofing material
• The presence of friable asbestos material, which means the material can easily be crumbled or reduced to a powder with hand pressure
• Damaged or deteriorating ACMs

Asbestos is a mineral that was once commonly used in construction materials due to its durability and heat-resistant properties. However, it has since been shown to cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, when breathed in. Do not attempt asbestos testing in Toronto or asbestos removal in Toronto by yourself. Always contact a professional asbestos abatement company like Inch By Inch Inspections.