How to Test for Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction during the previous century. When it became evident that this material causes severe respiratory issues with long-term exposure, many countries banned or limited its use. However, considering that many residential and business buildings in Canada have been constructed before the 90’s, asbestos is still widely present.

Moreover, owners or occupants may not even know that their property has asbestos – the material is often present in walls, flooring and even ceiling tiles without being properly indicated. This poses a significant danger to human health – according to statistics by the Globe and Mail, approximately 3,000 Canadians die of an asbestos-related illness every year.

A simple solution is to perform asbestos testing in Toronto with Inch By Inch Inspections – it requires you to collect samples using an air suction wand, which is then sent off for a laboratory analysis. If asbestos is found in your building, we would recommend hiring professionals to remove it altogether – contact our certified inspectors for more information about how we perform safe asbestos removal in Toronto.

Asbestos was widely used as an insulator and fire-retardant, and it was commonly mixed with concrete to improve its thermal isolation qualities without increasing its weight. This is why asbestos is commonly found in:

  • Pipe insulation
  • Pipe cement
  • Roof shingles
  • Floor tiles
  • Siding
  • Wallboards and wallboard adhesives
  • Popcorn ceiling
  • Asbestos mastic

If the asbestos-containing material remains undamaged there is no risk of exposure, but once the asbestos microfibers are airborne, they can get inhaled and end up in the lungs. The fibers cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue and severe types of cancer in case of long-term exposure. Symptoms of exposure start to manifest after a couple of decades, making the problem even harder to detect on time. For this reason, it is very important to undergo asbestos testing in Toronto, especially if you live in an older building.

Asbestos Testing in Toronto

There are certain DIY asbestos test kits available on the market, and they usually require you to take samples from your home and send them to the laboratory for testing. If you opt for this option, it is necessary to wear adequate safety equipment in areas where the presence of asbestos is suspected. This equipment includes:

  • Respirators with HEPA filters
  • Disposable coveralls
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Shoe covers

In order to avoid disturbing the asbestos fibers, mix two teaspoons of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1L of water, put it in a spray bottle, and generously apply the mixture all over the potentially contaminated area. Gently take a small piece of the suspected material, put it in a bag provided in the testing kit, seal it well and send it to the lab. Some labs may also take dust samples, but there need to be at least 6 grams of dust for the test, and this method is more expensive.

Why Pay For Asbestos Testing in Toronto

Most people are afraid to test for asbestos because they believe it might cause a serious problem if its presence is confirmed.

In fact, asbestos is not only very dangerous when disturbed, but also when left undisturbed. The American Cancer Society explains that inhalation of asbestos is responsible for at least 10,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. Asbestos-laced particles can also cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

To make matters worse, the odorless nature of asbestos means that it is extremely difficult to detect until a major issue develops. By that time, your building will already be contaminated with the dangerous material. Considering the devastating effects of asbestos on the health of your employees and customers (and yourself), you have a great reason to get rid of it at the earliest opportunity.

The only way to test for asbestos and remove it without risking your health is by using a special type of camera capable of detecting all sorts of contaminants hidden in walls and other building elements. Fortunately, many companies offer infrared thermal imaging services, including Inch By Inch Inspections . We use state-of-the-art equipment to eliminate any form of contamination in construction elements.

Asbestos Testing With InchbyInch

DIY tests always come with a risk and considering that symptoms of exposure become evident after a couple of decades, it is best to completely avoid potentially contaminated areas and ask help from a professional. The best and safest way to test for asbestos is to contact a professional service. Professional inspectors are equipped with tools and knowledge to perform detailed asbestos testing, find sources of contamination, and provide a list of recommendations for management. They know how to reduce the risk of exposure to a minimum and keep the inhabitants of the building safe.

An inspector can assist in asbestos testing in Toronto, which will help reveal if building material has been damaged. If they have been damaged asbestos fibers can become airborne, posing a serious health risk to building occupants. The goal with these services is to help people understand the impact that indoor pollutants have on their lives and businesses. From there, an iat inspector will recommend the best steps for prevention or remediation; which may include building material replacement, ventilation systems or other steps.

If you are looking for a trusted, honest inspector, reach out to Inch by Inch Inspections. The experienced staff of Inch by Inch provides safe, efficient, and budget-friendly asbestos testing services in Toronto and the GTA. Contact Inch by Inch today to schedule your testing.

Schedule Your Inspection Today. FREE Estimates Available

Call Now: 416-568-9702
Error...

Please, enter a valid value

Inch by Inch Inspections

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE

SCHEDULE INSPECTION

Please, enter a valid value