Asbestos Abatement

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Over the last 20 years homeowners, building owners and property managers have become more cognizant of environment hazards, such as asbestos, and their adverse effects. They recognize how essential it has become to enlist the services of an experienced and qualified contractor, such as Praxis Restoration Services , with a proven track record in environmental abatement services.

 

What We All Should Know:

Asbestos is a naturally occurring form of fibrous silicates found in the veins of host rock formations with the following properties: durable, flexible, high tensile strength and resistance to heat, wear and corrosion. Asbestos has been used for hundreds and thousands of years in building materials such as: bricks, blocks, mortar, insulation, ceiling tiles, vinyl asbestos tile, gaskets, fittings, drywall compound etc.

The adverse effects of asbestos have been observed on human lungs as far back as the 1920′s. It wasn’t until 1949 that the link to cancer was established and until 1960 when the link to mesothelioma was confirmed. Asbestos fibres are hazardous to human health because fibres, which range in size from .3 to .5 microns, lodge themselves deep in our lungs and cause our lungs to stiffen by a build up of tissue resulting from attempts by the cells in the lungs to remove the asbestos fibres.

At Praxis, our team of technicians are trained specifically to deal with the hazards associated with asbestos abatement. Using state of the art equipment and following the most stringent protocols, our team can effectively remove all asbestos containing materials and properly dispose of all said materials according to local bylaws. Our goal is to safely and effectively remove the contaminated materials and the hazards associated with them while at the same time minimizing the disruption to our clients home or business.

Did You Know

 

Fact: The Ontario Health and Safety Act. Ontario Regulation 278/05 governs asbestos on construction sites and repair operations in buildings as well as owners, managers, employees and contractor responsibilities.

Fact: As of November 1, 2007, all building owners must conduct an asbestos assessment of their properties outlining the location of any asbestos containing material. This assessment report must be made available to any contractor conducting renovations in the building, prior to the start of those renovations.

Fact: The effects of asbestos have been observed on human lungs as far back as the 1920′s. It wasn’t until 1949 that the link between asbestos and cancer was established. In the 1960′s the link to mesothelioma was established and there was widespread acceptance of asbestos as a causation substance.

Fact: A human hair is 40 microns in diameter. An asbestos fibre is .3 to .5 microns in diameter. The main route of entry into the human body is by inhalation. Asbestos fibres penetrate deep into the lungs where they do the most damage.

Fact: A few weeks of unprotected exposure may be enough to cause lung cancer. Cancer from asbestos exposure does not develop until 20 or more years after the exposure.

Fact: Type 1 and Type 2 asbestos abatement operations can be conducted by a contractor with asbestos awareness training. These operations do not require clearance testing or certified asbestos contractors (although this is not recommended).

Fact: Type 3 asbestos abatement operations require clearance testing, NOP’s (notice of project – submitted to local authorities) and contractors must be certified through the Ontario Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities.