Suspecting that your building or home may have asbestos is a serious concern that should be addressed promptly. There are many serious health issues associated with prolonged asbestos exposure, so you should opt for immediate asbestos removal in Toronto if you notice anything. Home air quality tests can also be used to detect asbestos. However, if you do not have access to testing, you should be aware of the main signs of asbestos in your building. You should consider an asbestos inspection if you live in an older home, have noticed any weird material falling from the sky or have noticed prolonged illness in your home. Knowing these signs can help you minimize the effects of asbestos on your health. If you suspect that you may have asbestos in your home, contact Inch by Inch Inspections. We offer asbestos inspections and removal in Toronto and the GTA to ensure that your family remains safe from the risks of asbestos. Contact us today to book a service!
Health Implications of Asbestos Exposure
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The main reason why you need to have a strong knowledge of the main signs of asbestos in your home is because asbestos is extremely toxic and harmful to your health. It wasn’t known until 1981 that asbestos was toxic, and this is why it is commonly found in older homes. Asbestos was thought to be an excellent fire-proofing material and insulation material. This means that if you have it in your home, it is likely abundant throughout your entire home.
Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause a great deal of damage to your respiratory system, especially your lungs. Asbestos has also been linked to numerous different cancers. Some of the most common asbestos-related illnesses include:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease in which the inhalation of asbestos fibres causes scarring to the lungs. This results in wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Lung Cancer: When asbestos fibres enter the lungs, they can cause cancer. Exposure to asbestos suggests that you are five times more likely to develop lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: This is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is the membrane that surrounds your major organs. This cancer is very rare and aggressive. The leading known cause for this type of cancer is prolonged asbestos exposure.
1. Old Building
One major sign that could indicate that you may have asbestos is the age of your home. Asbestos was much more commonly used before the 1980s, as its negative health impacts were not known at the time. Asbestos was not banned entirely in Canada until 2018; however, it became public knowledge that asbestos was highly toxic in 1981. This resulted in a sharp decline in the use of such materials. So, if you have an older home, it is almost guaranteed that you have asbestos somewhere in your home. If you own an older home and experience any of the other following signs, call Inch by Inch Inspections immediately for asbestos removal.
2. Visible Indicators of Asbestos
There are certain physical symptoms that may manifest if you have asbestos in your home such as:
- Frayed insulation around pipes, ducts, or boilers.
- Crumbling or damaged ceiling tiles, especially popcorn ceilings.
- Loose, peeling, or bubbling material on walls or ceilings.
- Cracked, lifted, or damaged vinyl floor tiles.
- Worn or damaged insulation on HVAC ducts.
- Insulation wrapped around pipes that show wear or damage.
- Stains or discoloration on ceilings, walls, or flooring indicate water damage.
- Textured coatings on walls and ceilings, particularly in older homes.
- Old roofing shingles or coatings are showing signs of wear.
- Dust or debris that resembles fibrous materials around older building materials.
Looking out for loose fibres falling from the ceiling is extremely important. These fibres are asbestos, and when they fill the air, they can be inhaled, causing respiratory diseases and issues. These fibres put you and your family at the highest risk of long-term illness, so if you spot them, you should leave your home immediately and call in a professional for asbestos removal.
3. Persistent Illness
As mentioned above, asbestos is a highly toxic substance that can cause many long-term health issues. However, short-term exposure can also cause illness and symptoms. If you or members of your home/building have been experiencing random, prolonged illness, specifically respiratory issues, this could be a sign of asbestos, especially if this is paired with one of the above signs. Some of the major signs of asbestos exposure include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough that worsens with time
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Heaviness or tightness in the chest
- Pain when swallowing
- Swollen neck and face
If you notice any of these symptoms over a period of time, reach out to a healthcare professional, try to stay out of your home, and call a professional asbestos removal company to take care of your issue.
4. Positive Asbestos Test
This may seem obvious, but if you are unsure about whether or not you have asbestos or you have experienced only one minor issue that may be indicative of asbestos, book an inspection or asbestos test. This is a less invasive procedure that will help you identify asbestos particles in your home. If this test is positive, then you can proceed with booking for asbestos removal. If it isn’t, then you can feel safe in your home, knowing that your family is safe from asbestos exposure. Sometimes, booking an inspection or test is a great first step to take toward addressing asbestos, as it can give you peace of mind.
Opt for Prompt Asbestos Removal in Toronto
Ignoring the presence of asbestos in your home is never worth it, given how horrible the consequences are. This is why it is so important to know the common signs that may indicate that you have asbestos that needs to be removed. Doing so will help protect the health and well-being of your family. Ensure that you look out for the age of your home/building and any physical indicators of asbestos or random and persistent illness. If you are unsure, book a home air quality test to see if any asbestos particles are lurking in the air. For asbestos inspections and asbestos removal in Toronto, contact Inch by Inch Inspections.