What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral substance and it’s fibres are soft and flexible yet resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion. Pure asbestos is an effective insulator, and it can also be mixed into cloth, paper, cement, plastic and other materials to make them stronger. Asbestos fibres are easily inhaled and carried into the lower regions of the lung where they can cause fibrotic lung disease (asbestosis) and changes in the lining of the chest cavity (pleura).
Where can Asbestos be found?
Many homes built before 1990 contain asbestos in old floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roof shingles and flashing, siding, insulation (around boilers, ducts, pipes, sheeting, fireplaces), pipe cement, and joint compound used on seams between pieces of sheetrock. Due to the health concerns caused by asbestos exposure, it is important to get a property tested for it. At Tower Environmental, we can help you with asbestos testing to help you put your mind at ease or so you can put a removal plan in place. Find out more or view WorkSafe BC’s illustration for potential asbestos sources in the home.
Other services
In addition to asbestos testing, Tower Environmental also can test for lead or mould in residential or commercial properties. Instances of lead and mould in a building can lead to toxicity in humans. Lead testing typically is performed on properties that were built prior to 1990. Mould is a common occurrence in households and an important toxin to test in a residential or commercial property to minimize exposure. To learn more about these services, click here.
