How Winter Maintenance Can Trigger Asbestos Exposure

Now that winter is here, you may feel the need to conduct some seasonal cleaning and maintenance. Many individuals love a home refresh in the new year, and although this can be beneficial, it can also be very dangerous. Winter maintenance may put you at an increased risk of disturbing and exposing asbestos. If you are concerned about asbestos exposure, conduct a home air quality test or a designated substance survey. Both of these tests can help identify the presence of asbestos in your home. If asbestos is present, contact Inch by Inch Inspections for asbestos removal in Oakville. Call now to get started!

What Was Asbestos Used For in Homes?

asbestos removalAsbestos was a common material used in the construction of homes and commercial buildings. Asbestos was well-known for its durability and heat/fire resistance, and this is what made it a popular choice for a variety of applications. Asbestos was most notably found in insulation, fireproofing, vinyl tiles, floor backings, popcorn ceilings and roofing. Given how abundant it may be in a given home, it is vital that you are careful not to disturb it.

Common Winter Maintenance Tasks That Disturb Asbestos

In the new year, many homeowners like to refresh their homes with some winter maintenance. However, certain practices can be a bit dangerous, especially if there is a chance that you have asbestos inside your home. Typical winter maintenance activities such as: 

  • Inspecting and Replacing Insulation: Accessing enclosed areas of your home may put you at risk of disturbing asbestos. As mentioned, asbestos was a common material in insulation. If you live in an older neighbourhood, do not attempt to access your insulation, as this can cause asbestos fibres to spread.
  • Clearing Out Attics: Attics can be a common site for asbestos as well. Moving around old items in your attic may cause vibrations that can loosen asbestos fibres from any exposed insulation, fireproofing materials or flooring.
  • Servicing HVAC Systems or Replacing Filters: Older HVAC systems and ductwork may contain asbestos in insulation, duct linings, or pipe wraps. Activities like opening panels, handling ducts, or replacing filters can disturb brittle asbestos materials, potentially releasing fibres into the air

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

The reason why you should avoid and minimize asbestos disruption and exposure is because it is a highly toxic material. A great deal of research has shown that asbestos exposure can lead to serious respiratory health issues. This is usually the result of inhaling toxic asbestos fibres. Given the fragility of asbestos, it is relatively easy to release thousands of fibres even if only minimal disruptions have occurred. Asbestos can cause:

  • Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, leading to scarring of lung tissue and breathing difficulties.
  • Lung Cancer: Prolonged asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen, exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.

Minimize Asbestos Exposure with Inch by Inch Inspections

Overall, if you live in an older home, there is a good chance that asbestos may be lurking in your home. This is why you should conduct a home air quality test before conducting your winter maintenance routine. This will help detect asbestos before you can disturb it. If asbestos is found, then the expert team at Inch by Inch Inspections will conduct asbestos removal in your Oakville home to ensure the problem is solved. Contact us today to book a designated substance survey to detect asbestos!

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