Overview: With Calgary’s recent flood and the popularity of home renovations, the dangerous material of Asbestos has become an important safety hazard that our city needs to address. Read the following blog to find out where Asbestos is hiding and how you can protect yourself from inhaling its dangerous fibers.
Asbestos Surfaces:
Common places where asbestos can be found are:
- Construction sites
- Homes built before the late 1980s
- Fire proofing
- Linoleum
- Insulation
- Floor tiles
- Drywall
Health & Wellness
Asbestos fibers and particles are nothing but bad news for the human body. The asbestos particles and fibers are easily inhaled when they are airborne, and once in the body they make their way into the lower region of the lung. Long term affects of these fibers lead to reduction in respiratory function. Long-term exposure to such materials can lead to lung cancer and depending on the individual exposed, short-term exposures can have long term affects, especially if the person has a history of respiratory illnesses and or weakened immune system. There is also a risk of getting lung cancer, which depends on factors such as how much asbestos someone has been exposed to and for how long.
Exposure
The 2013 flood in Calgary caused major damage to streets, businesses and homeowners. The sustained damage and consequential clean up efforts post flood exposed Asbestos (along with other hazardous materials) into the environment. Breaking and demolishing materials like drywall and floor tiles can cause asbestos particles and fibers to become airborne and causes negative health effects to people who inhale them without proper safety equipment. Power tools and sanders often aid in releasing asbestos into the air.
Safety
Keeping materials that contain asbestos wet will limit the fibers from being exposed to the air, but it won’t eliminate the risk completely. Using safety products available on the market like N95 respirator masks, rubber gloves, and overalls can also limit the exposure, but these are not fool proof. Homeowners deciding to clean up damaged or renovated sites themselves are also urged to keep materials in sealed garbage bags and if you have decided to clean up possible asbestos material, should change into clean clothes when leaving the cleanup site, limiting exposure to other people. Asbestos fibers can easily detach from overalls and become once again airborne in public places.
24/7 Restoration To The Rescue
The exposure from asbestos is especially high for homes built prior to 1985 and during the clean up required after a natural disaster like the 2013 flood. The City of Calgary recommends professionals like 24/7 Restoration come in and evaluate asbestos exposure levels and safely dispose of the dangerous and hazardous materials. The professionals at 24/7 Restoration are equipped with safety suits and equipment to properly and safely dispose and remove asbestos, keeping homeowners and the public safe from exposure.
To find out more about our exceptional asbestos removal and abatement services in Calgary, contact 24/7 Restoration today on (403) 247-4365.
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