ASBESTOS FLOORING

Asbestos describes six naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in certain rock formations. When mined and processed, asbestos is separated into thin fibers. When these fibers are present in the air they are invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos fibers are mixed with a mineral which binds them together so they can be used in many products. When a product breaks down asbestos fibers can be released into the air, remaining there for several hours and causing health problems for those who inhale them.

Asbestos in Your Building

Because of it's special insulation and fire-retardant qualities, asbestos is used in many products in commercial and residential buildings, including flooring. When added to vinyl tiles or used as a backing, asbestos strengthens the flooring laid down and makes it more resistant to scratching, scuffing and humidity.

How Dangerous is Asbestos?

Excessive exposure to inhaled asbestos particles can lead to health problems, although the risks are generally higher when exposure occurs while handling asbestos in the work environment.

Asbestos fibers are not harmful until released into the air. New products on the market containing asbestos possess a "locked-in" feature, which prevents fibers from being released into the air.

The use of asbestos-based products today pose virtually no health risk. The only precautions that should be taken are to prevent damage when handling the products or materials. However, asbestos-based materials and floor coverings in your home are better left alone, to prevent the release of particles into the environment.

Tests have shown that vinyl-asbestos flooring releases only minute quantities of asbestos fiber into the air. However, care should be taken to avoid sanding or stripping, or any other operation that may damage the flooring. The risk of fiber inhalation is greatest when repairing or removing asbestos flooring. Tasks of this nature should be performed by a professional with the appropriate equipment.

Precautions

• when removing material, minimize risk by removing in pieces as large as possible
  

• wet the materials that are being removed
  place all discarded materials into protective bags
  

• NEVER use a vacuum cleaner to pick up dust, as they can contaminate your vacuum and also become airborne
  

• clean the area with mops or sponges, repeat and clean off mops in a sink or basin with a drain
  

• NEVER sand a floor containing asbestos and avoid tearing or ripping
  

Major renovation projects should, at the very least, require the consultation of a contractor. Unless absolutely necessary due to deterioration, asbestos flooring is best left alone. When working with asbestos, use all precautions and protective clothing.

LEAD ABATEMENT

Inorganic lead has been identified as the number one environmental pollutant and threat to public health in North America.

As a result of industrialization lead is prevalent in the environment. It is toxic to humans, particularly to children. They may be permanently impaired by significant lead exposure, which can occur in various manufacturing processes, general environmental exposure and lead contaminated soil, water, surface dust and food.

Health Problems

· asbestosis (a fibrous scarring of the lungs)
· lung cancer
· mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity - it could be years before symptoms show up)

The appropriate government agencies can assist in lead inspection and hazard assessment at the worksite. Training programs are also available at the government level and may be available in-house.