TAGS Asbestos is a scary word to hear as a homeowner. If your home in Ottawa was built in 1990 or earlier, it’s possible that asbestos was used in its construction. At one point in time, asbestos was a popular building material used for weather insulation, fireproofing, and noise proofing. However, its many construction benefits were too good to be true. Asbestos is now known to be an agent that can cause various forms of cancer and lung issues if the fibrous materials are inhaled. If you believe you may have asbestos in your home and want to learn more about how you should take care of it, read on. Trust experienced professionals for asbestos removal in your Ottawa home. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ASBESTOS REMOVAL 

1. What Are the Most Common Signs That Asbestos May Be Present In My Home?  

Asbestos is a silent roommate and may not be recognized right away. However, there are some indicators that you may need to have asbestos removed from your Ottawa home; it is always best to test certain materials to confirm if it contains asbestos. Here are some common signs that may indicate it’s hiding place: 

• Your home was built in the 1990s or earlier. 

• Your home has vinyl flooring from the 1990s or earlier. 

• You have an older, popcorn ceiling. 

• Your registers or duct work are wrapped in material. 

• You have older blown insulation in the attic, walls or floors. 

2. How Can Asbestos Harm My Health? 

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is a known carcinogen. It is linked to several diseases that can inhibit lung function, cause immune system distress, and even lead to death. The diseases caused by asbestos inhalation include: 

• Lung cancer – This disease is typically caused by smoking, but it is also linked to asbestos. Its symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, and respiratory infection. 

• Asbestosis – This illness is the result of scarring of the lungs from breathing in asbestos over a long period of time. Affected individuals experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain. 

• Mesothelioma – A rare disease linked to asbestos; mesothelioma is a cancer that creates tumors that block lung function. This illness is characterized by chest pain, extreme fatigue, and difficulty breathing. 

• Pleural disease – This disease known as pleural disease is non-cancerous but still affects lung function and can cause issues in the chest cavity. Pleural disease can cause fluid in the lungs, collagen deposits, folding of the lung, and thickening of lung tissue. It can lead to respiratory failure, chest pain, and coughing.   

3. What Are The Risks Associated With Asbestos Removal? 

There are significant risk factors involved when removing and disposing of asbestos. In the process of removal, asbestos fibers can easily become airborne and be inhaled by individuals occupying a space. Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to the significant health problems described above. Therefore, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid this from happening. If the area is disturbed and removed without safety equipment, trained specialists, and proper disposal, it can lead to dangerous consequences. If you think you may have asbestos in your home, your best option is to contact professional asbestos removal specialists in Ottawa.  

4. Can I Remove Asbestos From My House By Myself? 

No, regulations in Ontario prevent you from removing, transporting or disposing of asbestos on your own. Attempting this on your own can result in disturbance of the fibers and may cause disease from inhalation. If you suspect you may have asbestos in your home, you should always contact a professional to assess the situation and complete the removal process. Trained professionals will have years of experience, proven testing procedures, and specialty equipment to remedy your asbestos concerns. 

5. Why Was Asbestos Used In The Past In Ottawa Homes? 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used as a building material and considered suitable for several types of construction. Asbestos was commonly used in drywall and popcorn ceilings, as well as for vinyl flooring, siding, cement, and heating systems. This material was found to be useful for fireproofing, weathering, and sound insulation. Not only was this material useful for multiple building needs, but it was also inexpensive, strong, and resistant to water, electricity, and chemicals.