The Health Risks of Asbestos

By any reasonable measure, asbestos is dangerous, hazardous, and deadly. Prior to 1990, asbestos was used primarily for insulating homes and buildings, while providing fireproof benefits. Asbestos was widely used in many industries, and throughout construction and commercial sectors. And the applications were boundless - furnace equipment and heating systems; home siding and insulation; ceiling and flooring tiles; even auto parts and components.

The short story about asbestos is that it causes terrible diseases when inhaled. Amongst the illnesses, the Government of Canada lists asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer as the primary health risks. Asbestosis causes the lungs to be scarred, making it difficult to breathe. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the chest that’s related to asbestos inhalation. And lung cancer is another offshoot (with smoking known to greatly increase the susceptibility).

While some experts maintain that asbestos is less harmful when undisturbed, the potential for danger and hazard remains. During a renovation or demolition, there is exposure to asbestos. When insulation is being removed, there could be asbestos exposure. When roof shingles, siding, or floor tiles are being removed, there’s additional potential for exposure. And when old plaster or drywall is demolished, there’s more asbestos exposure.

Today, asbestos is prohibited in virtually every application. And at the end of the day, there is no alternative but safe, effective removal.  As such, asbestos removal is best left to a trained, skilled professional - someone with the tools, equipment and expertise to handle the potential hazards. At Matrix Remediation, we understand asbestos – the dangers and risks, the safety issues, and the provincial guidelines and legislation for removal.

Because of the ensuing health risks, asbestos removal is all about expertise in remediating the problem. It’s about taking the necessary safety measures when removing. It’s about properly handling the waste. And it’s about protecting occupants and work teams during the removal process. Unfortunately, there are still building structures that were built or renovated prior to 1987 that contain asbestos – and here, the dangers persist.

For the professionals at Matrix Remediation, asbestos removal entails three risk levels, each with a specific strategy. A “low risk” job would entail minimum precautions and protection; “moderate risk” would entail complete protection; and “high risk” would entail additional precautions and extra protection. Whatever the risk level, asbestos removal is best left to the professionals – it’s not a weekend DIY project by any means.

Matrix technicians are trained and certified to handle asbestos. With modern equipment and hi-tech tools, the team can ensure removal and cleanup that is both comprehensive and safe. And with Matrix, asbestos removal is guaranteed - it includes an Asbestos Air Quality Test (by an independent third party) and a 20-year warranty on work performed. Residential or commercial, it’s better to be safe than sorry with asbestos.

Matrix Remediation provides a NO obligation project estimate, along with competitive pricing, and guaranteed results. All told, it’s the health and safety of the premises that is key - asbestos is dangerous and removal is hazardous. Why even consider taking any chances?