ASBESTOS
Asbestos is the generic name for a host of fibrous minerals found naturally in rock formations all over the world. Asbestos is a natural mineral with exceptional properties. It resists high temperatures, attack by chemical substances and wear. A poor conductor, it proves to be a good thermal and electrical insulator. Asbestos crystals become long, flexible, silky fibers that lend themselves to a wide range of shapes. Asbestos can thus be spun, woven or matted, in addition to being added to materials as diverse as cotton and cement.
This combination of properties gives asbestos a performance that is difficult to match. Because asbestos fibers are strong, durable and flame retardant, they have been used extensively in industry, primarily in construction and friction materials. Asbestos has thus been found in many household products. It was used in the manufacture of lap cladding; shingles and roofing felt; cladding; coating of pipes and boilers; compounds and cement, such as caulking, mastic and roof repair materials; heat cement and automobile driveway coating (asphalt); wall panels; textured coatings and latex paints; acoustic ceiling tiles and plaster coating; vinyl flooring tiles; appliance cables; hair dryers; irons and cushions for ironing boards; fireproof aprons and electric blankets; and clay pottery.
The state of knowledge to date allows the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) to conclude that chrysolite asbestos is a carcinogen for humans and therefore all measures of prevention and protection of health of workers and the population must be applied. In Quebec, all buildings constructed before 1985 are likely to contain materials containing asbestos. People can often put their health at risk without realizing it if they do not take appropriate precautions when undertaking repair or renovation work that requires the removal of asbestos-containing materials. This can happen in the following situations:
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moving loose vermiculite insulation that may contain asbestos
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removal of deteriorating roof shingles and siding containing asbestos, or handling of roofing felt containing asbestos;
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removal of old asbestos insulation around a water heater;
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sanding or stripping asbestos flooring tiles;
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breakage of acoustic ceiling tiles containing asbestos;
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sanding asbestos-containing paint or sanding or moving acoustic plaster (stucco) which gives walls and ceilings a slightly textured appearance;
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sanding or stripping old water-based asbestos coatings such as roofing compounds, spackling compounds, sealants, paint, or putty, caulking or plasterboard;
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trimming, drilling or smoothing rough edges of new or old asbestos materials.
Vinyl asbestos tiles
Asbestos was widely used in floor tiles, especially in those manufactured between 1920 and 1960. Older vinyl and asphalt floor coverings are made with asbestos and these types of floor tiles (tiles) They usually come in nine inches square and are generally thicker than newer tiles. They are known as VAT, an acronym for vinyl asbestos tile. Smaller in size than today's 12'' x 12'' and more brittle than vinyl tiles, they could wear out over time. If your tiles are colored black, gray, brown, gray or brown, there is a good chance that they contain asbestos. If you have them today, it is better to have them removed. You should definitely not leave old tiles piled up in an unused room.
Can I remove asbestos from my house on my own?
No, you shouldn't do it. Asbestos fibers can easily become airborne, creating a risk of serious illness if proper precautions are not taken. If you suspect the presence of a material containing asbestos, this material must be analyzed before renovation work can take place. If asbestos is present, appropriate procedures must be followed before the material can be disturbed (removed or cut). Instead, entrust the work to an experienced professional. Be aware that removing asbestos is complex and expensive. So, you need to consult an accredited asbestos removal company.
Useful links
www.chrysotile.com/fr/asbhome/what.aspx
Never try to remove an asbestos product yourself.
