Asbestos and Air Quality Testing FAQs

asbestos testing and indoor air quality testing torontoAre you having concerns about the air quality at your property? Thinking about getting air quality testing or asbestos removal for your Toronto home? If the answer is yes, you probably wonder how the pollutants got inside in the first place and how to get rid of them. To help you find the answers and more information about these topics, we will dedicate this blog to the most frequently asked questions regarding asbestos and air quality testing in Toronto.

How does asbestos get into the air we breathe?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in many parts of the world, including southwestern Ontario. Some weathering processes can cause abrasion of the mineral, releasing its microfibrils into the surrounding air. However, this natural contamination occurs rarely, and a far more common cause of indoor asbestos contamination is its presence in the building materials. Older homes in Toronto are especially at risk because this material was widely used in construction before 1990. If the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the house are damaged, they are likely to release harmful microfibrils. However, this type of contamination often flies under the radar because the fibrils are invisible to the naked eye.

What Are the Most Common Types Of Asbestos?

The two types of asbestos that are most commonly found in buildings are chrysotile and amosite asbestos. The first type was most often used for roofing materials, ceilings, walls and floor tiles, while the second type is common in old cement sheets and pipe insulation. Both types are hazardous and cause serious health conditions upon long-lasting and/or intensive exposure.

Where Can You Find Asbestos?

This naturally occurring mineral has very favourable physical qualities, so it was mixed with various other building materials to improve their fire resistance and insulation. In older homes, it can be detected in multiple materials:

  • Vinyl floor and ceiling tiles
  • Joint compounds
  • Gaskets
  • Pipe insulation
  • Attic insulation
  • Roof shingles
  • Carpet underlay
  • Textured paints

Remember that asbestos wasn’t completely banned in construction until recently, so it can also be found in new products today.

What Is Air Quality Testing?

Professional air quality testing can provide a wholesome picture of the air quality state at your Toronto home. The testing includes identifying the concentration of the following pollutants:

  1. Chemical pollutants – lead, radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  2. Biologicals – mold, bacteria and mites
  3. Combustion pollutants – carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur and nitrogen oxides

How Much Does Air Quality Testing Cost in Toronto?

The pricing can vary depending on the size of the area being tested and specific requirements, but the general price for an average residential Toronto property is usually somewhere around $400. This includes a detailed inspection, sample taking, sample analysis and an in-depth report of the situation that can be used to develop optimal remediation tactics.

If you are looking for an experienced, certified home remediation expert in Toronto who will perform air quality and asbestos testing at your property, reach out to the renowned staff of Inch by Inch Inspections.

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