The Ultimate Guide to Asbestos Removal in Toronto

What Property Owner in Toronto Should Know About Asbestos Abatement & Removal

Asbestos was once commonly used in building materials and products in Toronto until the late 1970s, when its adverse health effects became apparent. Now, it is well established that exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

This has led to strict regulations around the handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials in many countries, including Canada. However, many homes built before the 1980s may still harbor asbestos-containing building materials that, when disturbed or damaged, can release microscopic fibers that pose a serious health hazard to residents. As such, it is crucial for Toronto property owners to understand the dangers of asbestos and take steps to ensure its safe removal.

With that in mind, we’ve put together this article with the help of IICRC-certified and fully licensed asbestos abatement professionals at Desa Contracting & Restoration to provide property owners in Toronto with the information they need to understand asbestos abatement and removal.

First, we will open up the discussion by explaining what asbestos is and why it is dangerous. Then, we will explore the parts of a structure that may contain asbestos, and how to properly handle and dispose of asbestos-containing materials according to Ontario Health and Safety Regulations. Finally, we will outline the reasons why asbestos abatement and removal are so important to residents and property owners in the city of Toronto.

It is important to note that asbestos abatement and removal can be complex and potentially dangerous processes. Therefore, we recommend that Toronto property owners take the time to familiarize themselves with the information presented in this article and seek the help of qualified professionals when necessary. By taking the appropriate precautions and following the correct procedures, property owners can help ensure the safety of their properties and the health of their occupants. Let’s start by learning more about what asbestos is. Please read on for more information.

Asbestos: What Is It and Why Is It Dangerous?

As previously mentioned, asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was commonly used in building materials throughout the city of Toronto until the late 1970s. However, it’s worth noting that asbestos is actually a group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of thin, microscopic fibers that were used in thousands of products, including insulation, roofing, and other construction materials, between 1950 and 1970.

Its widespread use was due to its heat and chemical resistance, fireproof properties, strength, durability, and affordability. That being said, individuals who have had either past or ongoing exposure to asbestos are at great risk of developing serious health conditions.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers are extremely durable and can remain in the air for extended periods, making it easy for individuals to inhale them. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can penetrate deep into the lungs and remain there for years. Over time, the buildup of these fibers causes serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that the risk of asbestos exposure is not limited to those who work in construction or industrial settings; even those who live or work in older buildings or homes that harbor asbestos-containing materials can be at risk. To that end, it’s important to avoid exposure to asbestos and to seek professional help when dealing with materials that may contain it.

One should also be aware of the fact that in Toronto, the risk of asbestos exposure is particularly high due to the large number of older buildings in the city. Many of the city’s buildings were constructed before the dangers of asbestos were well understood, and as a result, they might still harbor asbestos-containing materials.

Thus, it’s important for property owners and residents to be careful when making renovations or repairs to older structures to avoid exposure to asbestos. Additionally, residents and property owners with older homes should seriously consider having their property inspected and tested for aspects to ensure their safety and well-being.

By being informed about the risks of asbestos exposure and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can help protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of this hazardous material.

Common Asbestos-Containing Materials Found in Buildings & Homes Within The City of Toronto

In Toronto, individuals can help protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of asbestos exposure by being informed about the risks and taking appropriate precautions. This includes seeking professional help when handling materials suspected of containing asbestos and avoiding any activity that could disturb asbestos-containing materials, considering that asbestos poses a risk only when materials containing it are disturbed.

That said, our awareness and caution about asbestos-containing materials in our city are key to preventing the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. As such, in this section of the article, we will explore the common asbestos-containing materials that can be found in buildings and homes within the city of Toronto today!

Having said that, we understand that identifying the presence of asbestos in your home or office space can be challenging because it is commonly blended with other materials.

Although it is important to recognize that, as per the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, any material with a concentration of 1% or higher of asbestos, determined through Method 9002 or an established scientifically validated sampling and analysis method, is categorized as asbestos-containing material (ACM). Consequently, when dealing with older properties, conducting thorough inspections of specific areas becomes imperative to identify potential asbestos-containing materials.

That said, it is crucial to note that asbestos can be present in a wide range of commonly used building materials, encompassing over 3,000 different products. Nonetheless, certain materials are more susceptible to asbestos contamination.

These materials include:

• Vinyl and linoleum flooring or floor tiles
• Textured paints, coatings
• Popcorn ceilings
• Plasters, putties, and caulking
• Stucco
• Loose-blown insulation
• Vermiculite insulation, ceiling tiles, and coatings
• Roof felt shingles, and siding
• Gypsum board filling compound
• Incandescent light fixture backings
• Deck under-sheeting
• Drywall and cement sheets,
• Electrical switchboard panels
• Pipe and furnace duct coverings
• Plumbing fixtures
• Thermal boiler and fireplace insulations

In any event, it is important to recognize the diverse array of building materials that may potentially contain asbestos. By being aware of the various building materials in which asbestos may be present, individuals can take informed steps to protect themselves and others from the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

This includes seeking professional assistance and guidance when dealing with materials suspected of containing asbestos, especially in older buildings where the likelihood of its presence is higher.

That being said, if you suspect the presence of asbestos, it’s vital to avoid disturbing these materials and seek professional assistance for further evaluation. Proper testing and identification are essential to fully understanding the associated risks and developing a safe removal plan that aligns with established guidelines and regulations.

By following these procedures, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your team, and the occupants of the building through the implementation of appropriate measures for identifying and handling potential asbestos-containing materials safely.

How to Properly Handle and Dispose of Asbestos-Containing Materials

By developing a comprehensive understanding of the inherent dangers associated with asbestos and diligently implementing measures to ensure its secure removal, property owners and residents alike can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of their occupants and workers.

The potential health risks posed by asbestos fibers, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, underscore the utmost importance of proactive action. That being said, this section of the article aims to address the appropriate methods and techniques that are used to handle and dispose of asbestos-containing materials.

Considering this, it is crucial to recognize the foremost and pivotal aspect when it comes to the secure handling and proper disposal of asbestos: one should refrain from attempting to undertake these tasks independently. Rather, hiring a qualified asbestos abatement contractor is often the best way to ensure safe removal and minimize the risk of exposure.

To that end, we recommend that property owners proactively engage certified asbestos abatement specialists who possess the requisite training and expertise to identify, handle, and dispose of asbestos-containing materials in accordance with established regulations and guidelines. This ensures that the removal process is executed safely, thereby reducing the risk of fiber release and subsequent exposure.

Moreover, failing to engage the services of a qualified professional can result in a violation of the numerous laws governing asbestos, potentially exposing you to significant fines or penalties. With that in mind, let’s delve further into the specific Ontario Health and Safety Regulations for asbestos removal and disposal below.

Ontario Health & Safety Asbestos Regulations

When it comes to adhering to the multitude of laws governing asbestos abatement, it is crucial to consider several factors that will determine the extent of required measures. These factors include the size of the area, the type of material involved, and the chosen method of removal. Furthermore, it is essential to distinguish between materials that are easily disturbed (friable) and those that are not easily disturbed (non-friable), such as drywall or plaster.

In Toronto, compliance with the asbestos regulation ONT-REG 278-05 is not only a recommended practice but a legal requirement when handling asbestos. Hence, prior to engaging in any work involving materials that contain asbestos, it is imperative for an employer to collaborate with the policy committee, or in its absence, the workplace committee or health and safety representative, in order to formulate, implement, and oversee an asbestos exposure control plan. This includes:

• Planning the Project Appropriately: Licensed professionals must possess the expertise to evaluate the scale and gravity of asbestos abatement projects, a critical factor that holds significant importance to local authorities responsible for issuing permits for various types of asbestos abatement endeavors.
• Preparing the Work Area: To ensure containment and prevent contamination, it is important to seal off the work area using plastic sheeting and employ negative air pressure units. Additionally, surfaces that do not require abatement should be adequately covered with plastic sheeting. Moreover, prominently displaying warning signs is essential to notify individuals of an ongoing asbestos project.
• Wearing Personal Safety Protection: To minimize the risk of asbestos exposure, it is imperative for workers to use N-100 or P-100 respirators, and to wear protective clothing.
• Following Safety Protocols in the Work Area: To prevent the circulation of asbestos fibers, it is essential to disable HVAC systems during abatement. Workers should also use wet wipes or a HEPA vacuum to clean asbestos from immovable objects and control dust. Once the abatement is complete, the area should be cleaned up using a HEPA vacuum.
• Following Asbestos Waste Disposal Protocols: Before initiating any removal procedures, asbestos-containing materials should be properly wetted. Additionally, it is imperative for workers to wear a respirator and use personal safety protection when handling contaminated materials. After which point, all asbestos waste generated throughout the project must be wetted, double-bagged in 6-millimeter plastic bags, and securely enclosed within a leak-tight container made of plastic. The container should be appropriately labeled. Asbestos waste is restricted to specialized landfills specifically designated to receive such materials.
• Creating Decontamination Units: To facilitate the safe removal of contaminated clothing, shoes, and tools, it is crucial to install decontamination enclosure systems for workers.
• Following Decontamination Procedures: Professionals must adhere to prescribed protocols when removing contaminated protective clothing and equipment to minimize the risk of exposure.

In this regard, conducting regular inspections and surveys to identify any potential asbestos-containing materials within buildings is paramount. Through routine assessments, property owners can promptly address any identified risks and implement appropriate containment measures to prevent fiber release. By fostering an environment of awareness and actively prioritizing the safe removal of asbestos, property owners and residents demonstrate their commitment to the health and safety of their occupants and workers.

The Importance of Asbestos Abatement & Removal in Toronto

By recognizing the significance of asbestos abatement and removal, individuals can take appropriate precautions to mitigate exposure risks and preserve a healthy living or working environment. To that end, the significance of asbestos abatement and removal in the city of Toronto cannot be overstated. Asbestos, a harmful mineral once widely used in construction materials, poses severe health risks to individuals exposed to its fibers.

Therefore, by promptly addressing the presence of asbestos and conducting thorough abatement and removal, the risks of such health conditions can be significantly reduced.

Furthermore, proactive asbestos abatement and removal efforts contribute to the overall improvement of Toronto’s infrastructure. By implementing proper abatement and removal practices, property owners can enhance the value and safety of their buildings. This not only protects occupants and workers but also contributes to the city’s ongoing urban development initiatives.

In conclusion, the importance of asbestos abatement and removal in Toronto cannot be overstated. Protecting the health and well-being of residents and workers requires a comprehensive approach that includes the identification, assessment, and proper management of asbestos-containing materials. By complying with regulations, addressing potential risks, and engaging certified professionals, individuals and organizations can create a safer environment and contribute to the overall betterment of the city.