FAQ’s
Asbestos FAQ’s
How Can I Get Rid Of Asbestos?
If you’re looking to rid asbestos from your home, you need to deal with it safely, especially if you have young children or pets.
Firstly, avoid touching it at all costs. You don’t want to disturb asbestos fibers. The smallest particles can float into the air and get into your lungs, where they cause cancer and other diseases.
Asbestos can pose a threat to your personal health. You should never try to remove asbestos by yourself. Instead, get in touch with a professional. Top Quality Inspections & Consulting offers a range of asbestos testing services and asbestos removal options for your home or business.
Why Should I Care About Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in various construction materials. Asbestos- contaminated materials can be found in thousands of buildings built prior to 1990. Whether by design or due to deterioration, this toxic material is often released into the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 10 million homes are believed to have some form of asbestos present. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and its removal from your home should be left to a professional.
What Are The Symptoms Of Asbestos Exposure?
As best as we can tell, work done with asbestos generally has a low/moderate/high risk of exposure. It may cause some temporary or chronic health problems over the years, but most people who develop cancer after working with asbestos never had any symptoms in their lifetime.
Exposure to high levels of airborne synthetic vitreous fibers poses a possible threat for lung cancers and mesothelioma among workers, thereby diminishing life expectancy probability.
Does Having Asbestos In My Home Mean I Have To Get Rid Of It?
Only if the materials are disturbed, water damaged or delaminated. One of the most dangerous components of asbestos is that it is a silent killer. Many homeowners are unsure if they have asbestos in their homes, which is why it’s important to know the signs to look out for and if you do, the right steps to take in eliminating it.
If you’re worried about having asbestos in your home, hire someone such as Top Quality Inspections & Consulting for an inspection before taking any action on the issue.
How Do I Know If I Have Asbestos In My Home?
If you’re a homeowner, you’re likely aware that asbestos is a toxic material that was once commonly used in construction and home remodeling materials. Although it’s difficult to know if your home contains asbestos, there are certain things you can look out for.
The best and only way to be 100% sure whether you have asbestos in your home is by hiring a professional asbestos testing company to take samples and have them tested by a lab.
Where Is Asbestos Typically Found?
While the dangers of mold are well known, many people are unaware that there are still products containing asbestos available for purchase. Common objects and places asbestos can be found include: ceiling tiles, drywall, mudding compound, popcorn ceilings, plaster, floor tiles, sheet flooring, baby powder, talcum powder, pipe insulation, vermiculite attic insulation, mineral wool insulation, fibreboard sheet, acoustic ceiling tiles, roofing, house siding, stucco, vinyl floor tiles.
Asbestos fibers are predominately found in these materials when used as insulation for pipes and boilers or when used to insulate walls and ceilings. These areas may have been sprayed with asbestos-containing fire retardant, which can remain even after the material has been painted or covered up.
Who Do I Call When I Suspect Asbestos In My Home?
Top Quality Inspections & Consulting is the best company to call for asbestos in Calgary or Edmonton because of our experience, training, and strict quality control standards. Top Quality Inspections & Consulting offers comprehensive indoor air quality assessments, air monitoring services, and hazardous material inspections for commercial, Industrial & residential properties.
Do I have vermiculite insulation?
You may have vermiculite insulation if you notice a pebble like brown-gray, shiny, silver lumpy substance in your attic or walls. Vermiculite is spread over the top of the roof rafters and is easy to spot when the attic is opened up during an inspection. If you can’t see any of this material, your attic likely has newer cellulose insulation which is made up of recycled newspapers and cardboard.
I have vermiculite attic insulation in my home. Should I take it out?
No. A vermiculite attic does not pose a health risk. However, if you are concerned about removing the insulation, you can call Top Quality Inspections & Consulting for asbestos testing. We’ll help you decide whether or not you need to remove your insulation.