ASBESTOS ABATEMENT

24/7 EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES

45 MINUTE EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN THE GTA

(416) 602-4355

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in many industries before medical research confirmed that it has harmful effects. It is found in rock and soil and comprises long, thin and fibrous crystals. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos causes fibers to become trapped in the human body. After long-term exposure, trapped asbestos fibers can lead to benign and cancerous conditions and have been connected to various mesothelioma, lung, laryngeal and ovarian cancers. More than 60 countries have banned the use of asbestos. To get an idea of how dangerous asbestos can be, an estimated five Canadians get an asbestos-related diagnosis each day. Canadian statistics reported 472 deaths from mesothelioma alone in 2022. Asbestos is usually found in most buildings that were constructed prior to 1990.

When does asbestos become dangerous?

Asbestos becomes hazardous and poses health risks only when fibres are freed into the air and breathed into people’s lungs. The fibres are released into the air when there is a breakdown of the asbestos-containing materials (ACM). The breakdown can occur when the ACM is cut, disturbed or broken down due to age and general wear and tear. Some examples of actions that may cause the breakdown of ACM include but are not limited to the following: disturbing or removing insulation, ceiling tiles, shingles on roofs, plaster, and vinyl flooring. Even sawing, drilling and scraping of ACM can cause the release of dangerous asbestos fibres.

Asbestos is an issue when commencing demolition, remediation or construction in buildings built before 1990. If your building was built during this time, you should have an ACM survey. If you have not already had one completed, please call us and we have an Industrial Hygienist complete the service for you. It is important to conduct this survey so that you can inform staff, tenants, other occupants, and visitors if ACM is present.

If you suspect that asbestos is present before you start renovations at your home or business, contact a qualified asbestos abatement specialist to dispose of the ACM before continuing any work and possibly disturbing and releasing dangerous fibres. Asbestos should always be removed by a professional asbestos abatement company. It is far too dangerous to attempt such work on your own.

How can we help with asbestos removal?

  • We will detect if there is any ACM present in your residential, commercial or industrial property.
  • We will confirm the severity of the ACM issue.
  • We will identify the level of risk (1- 3) associated with the abatement.
  • We will develop an abatement strategy that follows all protocols in adherence to safety standards and regulations according to the confirmed level of risk.

The provincial government classifies asbestos abatement into 3 different classes: Low Risk (Type 1), Medium Risk (Type 2) and High Risk (Type 3). 

Metro Flood Services has an asbestos abatement team skilled at removing asbestos that knows the extreme safety measures that must be put in place depending on the level of risk such as appropriate PPE, the need for containment or air chambers, air monitoring, negative air systems and air scrubbing units and strict protocol for workers for donning and doffing protective Tyvek suits as well as the treatment/washing of any clothes worn under the PPE. In the type 3 level of risk, clothes are not supposed to be worn under Tyvek suits at all. It takes a knowledgeable and experienced asbestos abatement company to be aware of all these measures that are imperative for the health and safety of all parties involved. We also ensure that we work with an independent environmental or industrial hygienist to ensure no mistakes are made. Please call us if you require asbestos removal!