Asbestos

Asbestos Survey

What is Asbestos?

• Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral which has been used in construction for its physical properties and resistance to heat since the 1950s.
• It is extremely hard to visually identify because it is well concealed within various building products.

Why is Asbestos Testing important?

• Asbestos Testing- The law requires it:
  • Asbestos is a Designated Substance under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Ontario Regulation 278/05 – Designated Substance — Asbestos on Construction Projects and In Buildings and Repair Operations; January 2011).
  • Owners of commercial properties and residential complexes with 6 or more individual units along with any property owner planning renovations have certain responsibilities when it comes to the potential presence of asbestos on their properties. The new regulations can be found on the Ministry website.

What causes Asbestos to be dangerous?

• Inhalation of asbestos can cause serious and fatal illnesses
• Asbestos fibres can become airborne when Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) are damaged or disturbed.
• Once airborne and circulating in the air, they are easily be inhaled into the lungs and result in devastating health problems such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and other lung cancers.
• It is during construction, removal and demolition that Asbestos is commonly disturbed.
• If the residence or building was built before the mid-1980s, Asbestos testing must be performed before a project starts.
• There is no “safe level” of exposure.

Contact GEP to schedule a free consultation to determine what type of contaminants are of concern and what is the most effective type of testing you need to achieve your goals.