Asbestos Abatement in Alberta

Asbestos abatement is essential, and many of us may not even know what it is. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral silicates that can be separated into flexible fibres.  It was widely used from the 1950’s to 70’s to insulate buildings, piping and homes due to its non-combustibility and flame-retardant properties. Newer buildings are most likely built with safer materials, but if your home or building is constructed before the 1980s, you should invest in asbestos abatement. 

Asbestos abatement is a common process where the fibres released from asbestos are controlled by their complete removal, encasement, or encapsulation. Asbestos abatement is extremely important for our long term health. When we inhale asbestos, they will embed themselves into our tissues. Since these fibres are indestructible, they can’t be broken down by or flushed out from our bodies. If we don’t conduct asbestos abatement, it can cause mesothelioma and even lung cancer.  Theses diseases typically result from long term exposure to asbestos, and can lead to serious damage to our bodies, or even death. If the condition of the material containing asbestos is poor, fibres can easily fly out. A successful asbestos abatement treatment can ensure this doesn’t happen.

Typically, asbestos can be found in walls, flooring, ceilings, and building exteriors. Alberta has tight regulations on asbestos abatement in terms of transportation and waste disposal. The OHS Code, requires that asbestos waste be stored, transported, and disposed of in sealed containers. Furthermore, the wastes can only be thrown at landfills specifically prepared for asbestos abatement. If you work with a professional asbestos abatement company, the staff will ensure that these procedures are followed diligently.  

As mentioned before, there are 3 basic approaches to minimize exposure during asbestos abatement. Removal is the most expensive and time-consuming method of asbestos abatement, where all asbestos is removed and placed in secure containers. Another asbestos abatement strategy is encapsulation, where trained specialists apply sealants, a bonding agent, onto asbestos containing materials to control exposure; however, a major drawback is that the main asbestos source is not eliminated. You would also need to regularly maintain conditions of encapsulated surfaces. Enclosure, the third asbestos abatement method, involves putting a barrier such as a drywall between asbestos materials and the outside environment. It’s by far the fastest, cheapest, and easiest asbestos abatement strategy, but just like encapsulation, it doesn’t compeltely remove the asbestos altogether. You should consider enclosure as a temporary, emergency way of asbestos abatement to earn time for you to completely cleanse the remaining asbestos. No matter which asbestos abatement method you choose to minimize exposure, all procedures follow the same four principles in asbestos abatement: isolate the work area; protect workers; minimize the release of asbestos fibres; and ensure adequate cleanup and decontamination.

Asbestos abatement is a difficult process, so you should rely on experts to lower the risks involved. Although asbestos was a popular material used in construction in the past, it’s now banned. If your home or office contains asbestos, consult an asbestos abatement company. Matrix Remediation has many years of experience in asbestos abatement in Alberta and offers reliable, top-notch services with reasonable prices. You can reach us at 1-888-885-8683, or by email at info@matrixremediation.com.