Think You Can Handle Asbestos Yourself? Think Again!

Asbestos is everywhere in Southern Ontario and is found frequently in the older homes found in Toronto. The use of asbestos building materials was so prevalent just decades ago that it’s impossible for anyone living and working in this area to complete avoid exposure.

We have to accept that we’re going to be exposed to asbestos at some point in our lifetime. Since we can’t escape it completely, the next best thing is to limit our exposure as much as we can. After all, cases of asbestos-based illnesses are proportional to the amount and duration of exposure.

If limiting exposure is the goal, it only makes sense to identify the source of contamination in your home and arrange the services of a professional asbestos removal company.

Do Not Try to Remove Asbestos Yourself

By now you’re probably aware that asbestos removal is a dangerous, messy project. When we’re sending our own team in to handle an asbestos abatement, they’re fully decked out in Tymek suits with separate ventilation, booties, gloves and eye protection. If these precautionary measures seem excessive, remember that asbestos is a known carcinogen.

The process to remove asbestos will depend mostly on the nature and the source of the contamination. For example, if it’s the type that’s wrapped around your heating system, it’s friable asbestos.

That means it crumbles very easily into tiny, easily inhaled particles. You do not want to be unprotected when a cloud of that makes it into the air!

Choose Professional Asbestos Removal

At first glance, a quote for professional asbestos abatement can seem a little high. That’s because this highly-specialized field is also highly regulated. An enthusiastic homeowner is unlikely to be able to successfully remove asbestos from their house to a degree that would pass a professional inspection.

Even if you had access to all of the same safety and cleaning equipment, are you absolutely sure you would know how to use it?

Asbestos Removal and Disposal

Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you’re able to safely remove asbestos from your home. Maybe you’ve even managed to do so without launching asbestos fibers into the air.

Now how are you going to get rid of it?

Asbestos is on the list of prohibited substances for waste disposal in the City of Toronto. Most waste removal companies won’t touch it. The safe disposal of asbestos materials is carefully regulated in Ontario, and only a highly trained asbestos removal company is specially equipped to remove and dispose of the environmental hazard – safely!

Like many of the more dangerous home repair and improvement projects around the house, the removal and disposal of hazardous materials like asbestos is a project that’s best left to the professionals. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your Toronto home, be sure to arrange for asbestos testing and hire an asbestos removal company. Your health depends on it!