Asbestos
Identifying and Managing Asbestos Safely
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fibre used in several building materials that is fibrous in structure and resistant to fire and acid. There are three main types of asbestos:
- chrysotile is commonly used in building materials;
- amosite is used in insulation,
- and crocidolite is commonly used in cements.
Asbestos can be classified as friable or non-friable. Friable means that it can be crumbled using only manual pressure, non-friable means it cannot.
A material is considered to be asbestos-containing if it has more than 0.5% asbestos per dry weight—at LEAP, we determine this through sampling and analysis.
Why is asbestos a health hazard?
Asbestos is comprised of bundles of fibrous strands. When the fibres become disturbed, the strands break down into smaller, thinner microscopic pieces that can become airborne. These microscopic fibres are able to get past the lungs’ respiratory defences and embed themselves in the organ, causing cancers such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Asbestos has a very long latency period, usually taking over 10 years before any symptoms occur, and most cases are found in individuals involved in long-term exposure, such as the manufacturing and installation of asbestos products. The risk of lung cancer from asbestos is greatly increased in individuals who smoke.
What types of building materials may contain asbestos?
Materials such as drywall, plaster, vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl floor tile, textured finish/textured coat, pipe insulation, tank or boiler insulation, exterior siding, roofing materials, drain pipes, vermiculite attic insulation, paper insulation around duct work, mastics, and caulking—among others—can contain asbestos.
Why is it important to know if there is asbestos in my building?
Buildings built before 1985 were built with asbestos containing products. If you are considering a renovation, these building materials may get disturbed and release fibres into the air, which can be dangerous for building occupants. It is important to identify any asbestos containing materials prior to the renovation project so that they are removed properly, preventing any exposure.
How We Can Help:
Residential and Commercial Environmental Solutions for Every Need
Asbestos Survey
A detailed inspection and sampling of materials suspected to contain asbestos; and providing a meticulous report containing a summary of the quantity and condition of all building materials confirmed to contain asbestos.
Asbestos Project Management
Overseeing the removal of asbestos by a qualified contractor and providing air clearance, along with a final report.
Asbestos air sampling
The collection of air samples to identify the concentration of airborne fibres in the home.
Designated Substances Report
Designated Substances are materials that cause severe health issues from exposure or repeated exposure. In Ontario, we have identified eleven designated substances; Acrylonitrile, Arsenic, Asbestos, Benzene, Coke Oven Emissions, Ethylene Oxide, Isocyanates, Lead, Mercury, Silica and Vinyl Chloride.
A building owner (residential or commercial) is required by law to provide an inventory of the location and condition of any designated substances prior to any construction projects. These designated substances may require special removal prior to construction.
We can provide a detailed Designated Substances Report prior to your construction project and can oversee the required abatement to get your project or demolition project started safely.
Indoor Air Quality Assessment
Indoor air quality is a broad term that refers to the air quality in and around buildings as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
The purpose of an air quality assessment is to identify issues in the air quality of your building or home and to identify long-term solutions to promote the health and safety of occupants.
The air is sampled for several comfort parameters to ensure that the air quality falls within appropriate guidelines. Should the air quality fall outside these guidelines, detailed solutions are provided.
These parameters include: temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, respirable particulate, volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde.
Spray Foam Air Quality Testing
Spray foam is a popular way to insulate a building because of its excellent insulating properties, its ability to protect against moisture, fill cracks and noise attenuation.
Spray foam is applied when two precisely mixed components mix through an applicator nozzle, creating a chemical reaction forming a foam, which then cures.
Once the foam cures, the material becomes a safe and inert material.
When spray foam is misapplied, it can release toxic chemicals that can continue to off-gas for many years.
These chemicals can include benzene and ethylbenzene, styrene, freons, chloroform, naphthalene, isocyanates and other harmful chlorinated substances. These chemicals are highly toxic to your health and some can even cause cancer.
LEAP provides physical and air quality testing to assess whether the spray foam has been applied properly.
