Government rolls out deadline to ban asbestos

Last December, Science Minister Kirsty Duncan announced that Canada would become one of more than 50 countries to ban the import and export of asbestos.

While environmentalists rejoiced at the halt being put on the substance, considered a “human carcinogen” that had been linked to lung diseases, it put pressure and a strict timeline on home and business owners to ensure their spaces were cleared of the mineral in time.

Canadians have just under a year to prepare for the ban, but that doesn’t mean putting this task—which can be massive—off until the eleventh hour.

Here are some steps to take to ensure your space is asbestos-free.

First, never assume you’re safe. The cold hard truth is that it is still very present in several buildings in southern Ontario, both residential and professional, that contain asbestos. And if you think you’ve been exposed to it, see a doctor because it can take decades for illnesses related to asbestos to surface.

Second, do your research. There are several misconceptions about asbestos. Understand the long-term damage that being exposed to asbestos can have in order to take it as seriously as it needs to be taken.

Most importantly, take precautions in your home and workplace. Hire professionals to inspect your spaces to ensure you are in a healthy environment. And make sure your workplace has established the new rules rolled out by Ottawa that ensure safety for employees.

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2016/12/18/at-last-canada-bans-deadly-asbestos-editorial.html

 

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