A lot of people have it in their heads that, asbestos is only present in older homes built before 1985 and therefore you only need to schedule asbestos testing in older Toronto homes. This is not true. Unfortunately, asbestos could be present in any home as a result of material that was used as insulation or filler.
Asbestos starts to become harmful when the material becomes damaged or broken down. At that point, it becomes loose and these tiny fibers then become suspended in the air, breathed in by you and your family. The health consequences of breathing in these asbestos fibers can be devastating. It can cause cancer of the lungs, mesothelioma cancer, and a number of other health problems over time. Protect you and your family and contact Inch By Inch for professional asbestos removal services in Toronto.
Airborne Asbestos Air Quality Testing in Toronto
Because of its prevalence, asbestos is one of the most dangerous building materials to come into contact with. It wasn't until the late 1980s that people around the world began to realize how dangerous it could be. Many companies used this material because it was cheap and easy to work with. Its disadvantages became apparent over time because it can be hazardous when it is disturbed and becomes airborne through abrasion and chipping. This occurs in older buildings and buildings that have undergone renovations and repairs.
Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos testing in Toronto is a must-have if you live in a home built before the year 2000. But even though it's been banned since late 1980s, asbestos is still highly prevelant and dangerous and there are serious health risks attached to asbestos exposure. Inhaling or ingesting even a small amount of asbestos can cause a variety of ailments, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other internal organs, can take 20 to 40 years to develop. So if someone lived in a house with asbestos insulation or other products, they might not know about their exposure until they're diagnosed with cancer.
Where You Can Find Asbestos
One of the most common sources of asbestos exposure comes from household products. There is a large list of different materials which contain asbestos, such as:
- Tile
- Baby powder
- Vinyl Wallpaper
- Floor Tiles
- Appliances And HVAC Systems
- Insulation In Walls Or Around Water Pipes
- Cement Filler In Ceilings Or Floors
- Popcorn Ceilings
But It Doesn't Stop There.
There are instances where the material isn't present in the room you're looking at, it may be hidden behind some furniture. Other times residents haven't realized they have been exposed to dangerous fibres when something as simple as sitting on an old cushion contains asbestos.
In Toronto, homeowners can schedule asbestos testing from Inch by Inch to get peace of mind. Asbestos testing covers all surfaces, such as walls and furniture that may have been exposed to asbestos. Contact Inch by Inch Inspections today to schedule an appointment.