Asbestos

Asbestos: what is it?

Asbestos is the generic term for several different fibrous minerals that occur naturally in rock formations all over the world. Because asbestos fibres are resistant to extreme heat and fire as well as very durable, they have historically been incorporated into many construction materials (particularly for insulation against cold and noise).

Asbestos: where is it found?

The main sources of asbestos in homes are the following:

• Furnace and heating duct insulation as well as plaster wall and ceiling coatings in homes constructed;

• Wall and attic spaces insulated with loose vermiculite;

• Vinyl floor tiles; 

• Sound-insulating ceiling panels;

• Coverings, both interior (e.g., fire-proofing wall coverings) and exterior (e.g., roof shingles, deck flooring); 

• Textured paints;

• Adhesive compounds for gypsum wallboard, from the 1960s until 1985.

How can asbestos affect my health?

Asbestos is dangerous to your health only if the fibres are present in the air you breathe. The risk of developing disease increases with the quantity inhaled and the degree of exposure. Workers and homeowners are at greatest risk of exposure to these contaminants when conducting repairs or renovation work. If inhaled in large quantities, asbestos fibres can cause:

• lung cancer;

• asbestosis, a chronic fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs caused by extremely high levels of exposure, only in people who work in the asbestos industry; and

• mesothelioma, which attacks the pleura (the membrane that covers the lungs) or peritoneum (the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity). i This disease is usually fatal; 80% of victims are people who have been exposed to asbestos. 

It is important to note that diseases typically emerge 15 to 40 years after exposure. 

What should I do to protect against asbestos?

1 - Light work around asbestos

If you need to do minor work on materials that contain asbestos, for example repairing a damaged corner of a wall, drilling holes to put up a shelf, or cutting an opening to install a central vacuum inlet valve, first make sure to: 

• Seal off the work area and keep people other than those doing the work away (also keep pets away); 

• Wear the appropriate protective apparel, including an adequate single-use respirator (for example, one approved for asbestos protection by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH]). A simple dust mask is not effective against asbestos fibres;

• Wet the materials to cut down on dust (making sure they are not in contact with electrical current);

• If possible, do not cut or break up the materials to be removed; 

• Afterward, clean the work area with a damp rag or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, and then carefully seal both the waste and the rag in a plastic bag. Check with your municipality on how best to dispose of waste containing asbestos; 

• Wash or throw away the clothes you wore while working, and take a shower after you are done. 

2 - Large-scale work around asbestos

In Quebec, there is a stringent code governing the handling of contaminated materials. Hiring the services of an expert is a must.

For example, if you will be knocking down walls or removing coatings or insulation that contain asbestos, ask for advice from an expert first. Never attempt to remove such materials yourself! 

The contractor you hire must: 

• prepare the work area so as to minimize dust; 

• use appropriate protective clothing and equipment; and 

• thoroughly clean the premises and dispose of waste properly, per the Code. 

Where can I learn more about asbestos?

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST): Guide sécuritaire de l’amiante (in French)