Asbestos is known by most to be a dangerous mineral to humans and other living beings. But the truth is, while asbestos is always a risk to some degree, there are situations where the mineral is far more dangerous than others. Understanding the potential danger of asbestos on your property can help you navigate the requirements for safe and compliant asbestos removal in Toronto. From air quality testing in Toronto to asbestos abatement, the Inch By Inch Inspections team of experts can help you determine the best next steps for your health and property.
Here are some insights into when asbestos or asbestos-containing materials pose the most significant risk to you and the people around you.
Concentration of Asbestos
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The amount of asbestos in a material matters. While even trace levels can pose some health risk, concentrations over one percent are considered especially dangerous under Canadian regulations. When asbestos content is higher, more fibres are released into the air when the material is disturbed. This increases the likelihood of exposure and makes professional asbestos removal in Toronto the safest option.
High concentrations of asbestos are often found in older insulation, tiles, pipe wraps, and other construction materials used widely before the 1990s. If you suspect these materials are present, do not disturb them. Contact professionals who can safely test and manage the situation.
Friability of the Mineral
Friability refers to how easily asbestos can be crumbled, powdered, or released into the air. Friable asbestos, such as old spray insulation or deteriorating pipe lagging, is far more dangerous than non-friable materials that remain intact. Once fibres become airborne, they can be inhaled, leading to long-term health problems. When friable asbestos-containing materials are identified on-site and during asbestos inspections, professionals like Inch By Inch Inspections will typically proceed with complete asbestos removal in Toronto.
Air Quality
Air quality is one of the most significant factors in determining risk. If asbestos fibres are already in the air, exposure can happen even without direct contact with the source material. This makes air quality testing in Toronto essential after any suspected disturbance or deterioration of asbestos-containing materials. By working with the experts at Inch By Inch Inspections to monitor air quality, you can determine whether remediation or complete removal is required.
Type of Asbestos
Not all asbestos types pose the same level of risk. Specific forms, like crocidolite (blue asbestos), are more dangerous than others due to their structure and the way fibres behave once airborne. Regardless of the type, all forms of asbestos can lead to serious illnesses over time. Identifying the type present in your building through professional inspection allows remediation teams to develop the most effective containment and removal strategy.
Personal Protective Gear Available
Another factor that determines risk is whether proper protective measures are in place. Handling asbestos without specialized respirators, protective suits, or containment procedures dramatically increases the danger. This is why DIY asbestos work is never advised. Certified professionals follow strict safety protocols to limit exposure and ensure the safety of everyone on-site.
Protect Your Health and Property with Inch By Inch Inspections
Asbestos can be present in many older buildings, and while it may not always be an immediate hazard, understanding when it becomes most dangerous is critical. If you suspect asbestos is in your home or commercial property, don’t take unnecessary risks. The team at Inch By Inch Inspections can provide thorough assessments, testing, and safe asbestos removal in Toronto to keep your property compliant and your air safe to breathe.
