The Do's & Don’ts of Asbestos Removal for Toronto Homeowners

Asbestos is a highly hazardous material, and having it at your property might present a serious health threat. If you doubt this material might be present in your Toronto home, asbestos testing is the best way to find out. Testing is especially advised to homeowners with older homes, as many buildings constructed before the 1990s include this dangerous mineral. When the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged, they release microfibrils, and if these are inhaled over prolonged periods, they can cause serious damage to lung tissues.

Removing or encapsulating ACMs is the most sensible solution, but before you grab your tools, there are a few things you should consider. Keeping everyone in the vicinity of your home and within it safe is of utmost importance, and there are certain dos and don’ts you need to look out for when asbestos removal in Toronto is considered. Please keep in mind that the following information is for educational purposes only. Asbestos-containing materials can be hard to identify without prior experience and should be handled and removed by a professional. These recommendations cannot be considered suggested actions to remove asbestos. We strongly recommend reaching out to a certified asbestos abatement company in Toronto to ensure the complete removal and safety of your family.

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The essentials of asbestos removal

After you’ve had asbestos testing in your Toronto home and concluded that removal must ensue, you’re probably thinking about how to get rid of this material off the premises as safely and efficiently as possible. While some minor works can be done with DIY methods, any larger-scale asbestos removal requires the assistance of a professional asbestos abatement company in Toronto. 

When working with ACMs indoors 

Do:

• Avoid having people or pets come for a visit until the removal is done 
• Minimize movement of household members and pets through the contaminated area 
• Before initiating the removal work, completely isolate the room with thick plastic sheets and seal all internal doors that lead to it to prevent the spread and exposure to dangerous microfibrils
• Ensuring good ventilation is important, so open external doors and windows

Don’t:

• Go through uninsulated areas with contaminated clothes and equipment during the removal process
• Use power drills on ACMs or any other tools that can create fine dust
• Dismantle materials like drywall, insulation, popcorn ceiling, vinyl flooring, asbestos-containing cement or any material with unknown content without professional help
• Use vacuums without adequate filters to clean the area after removal

When working with ACMs outdoors

Do:

• Close your external windows and entrance doors to keep the asbestos microfibrils from getting inside
• Cover the soil in the vicinity of the removal area so it doesn’t get contaminated with asbestos
• Remove all items from your garden or yard that might catch some microfibrils during the removal, including vehicles, gardening and play equipment
• Keep all family members and visitors away from the site

Don’t:

• Attempt to remove ACMs in windy conditions, as it will create a health threat for the entire neighbourhood
• Use tools that make fine dust or scrape the ACMs
• Use wetting agents on roofing materials if they create a risk of slipping
• Leave removed materials in regular recycling bins, dumpsters or trash containers; asbestos must be disposed of separately and taken to landfills certified to handle hazardous materials

Always

• Wear safety equipment when handling ACMs; this includes respiratory mask, disposable overalls, protective glasses, and gloves
• Notify your neighbours before initiating the removal, especially if you live in an apartment; they should close, or even better, isolate entrance doors and external windows until the work is finished
• Handle all ACMs gently to minimize the spread of microfibrils
• Use tools that minimize the production of dust and the spread of microfibrils
• Keep the ACMs wet to prevent the fibrils from becoming airborne
• Clean the area and the tools used in the process thoroughly after removal
• Dispose of debris and used safety equipment in double bags and seal them tightly

DIY removal carries many risks, which is why it is always best to contact trained experts and arrange a professional asbestos abatement. Inch by Inch Inspections offers quality asbestos removal services in Toronto, guaranteeing complete safety, as well as efficient and successful abatement. Reach out to Inch by Inch today and schedule your inspection.