Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that has found its way into many properties due to its popularity in the late 20th century. Today, asbestos is still found in residential and commercial properties around the city, making professional asbestos removal necessary for the greater well-being of both property owners and their occupants.. There are three popular types of asbestos that are likely to be found in Canadian buildings, some more harmful than others. To determine if asbestos is in your property, and the type, request asbestos air testing from Inch By Inch Inspections.
To know more about the three main types of asbestos and where to find them, read on.
White asbestos, formally known as chrysotile, is the most common type found in residential and commercial building materials. Chrysotile has long, white curly fibres that are easily inhaled. Chrysotile often has traces of amphibole asbestos, which increases its risk level and toxicity.
You’re most likely to encounter chrysotile in gaskets, pipe insulation, ducts, cement, roofing, and vinyl tiles. Before commencing any maintenance or renovations, contact Inch By Inch Inspections for asbestos air testing and inspections. Our team of certified professionals will collect samples of the mineral around your property to determine the type and risk of asbestos in your property. Once identified, we’ll begin asbestos removal, so you’re able to safely carry on with maintenance or projects.
Brown asbestos, or amosite, is the second most popular form of asbestos, right behind white asbestos. It appears to have long, pale brown fibres, although sometimes it may have a grey hue. Thanks to its durability and heat resistance, it’s commonly found in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and roofing products.
Blue asbestos, also known as crocidolite, is responsible for more deaths than any type of asbestos. The thin and sharp fibres are easily inhaled and attached to the lung tissue, so exposure to this type, no matter how short or long, poses significant health risks. If you encounter blue asbestos, you may find it in ceiling tiles, cement sheets, and insulation.
There are three other types of asbestos, but they were hardly used in building materials, making it unusual to come into contact with them. Anthophyllite may be found in cement, insulation, or roofing products. However, it also may be found mixed in with other types of asbestos, usually chrysotile. Other less common types, tremolite and actinolite asbestos, were never intended to be used in building materials, but are likely to be discovered due to cross-contamination and mixing of other types. While these types are not common, they still pose significant health risks and may result in asbestos-related illnesses.
Friable asbestos is easily disturbed, making exposure highly possible. While non-friable asbestos, like in floor tiles, doesn’t become airborne easily, it still poses the risk of exposure. Whether these materials are friable or non-friable, it’s essential to your health and safety to conduct asbestos air testing, inspections, and, if necessary, removal. If the test sample comes back with a concentration of more than 1% asbestos, professional removal is required.
It’s important that you not try to identify the type of asbestos on your own. Because the colours are not easily noticeable without a close inspection or professional equipment Getting close enough to detect the colour of asbestos fibres, puts you at risk for exposure. Instead, schedule asbestos testing and removal from Inch By Inch Inspections.
For effective and comprehensive, choose Inch By Inch Inspections.
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