Asbestos decontamination: a job for professionals
Today, asbestos removal is a work regulated by the CNESST. Since the early 1980s, the health hazards related to asbestos exposure are well known. The diagnosis and decontamination operations require method, rigour and expertise. Carried out under the supervision of consultants and according to a protocol defined by the law, asbestos removal is only to be done by experts.
Asbestos is a serious matter. Call on our experts.
When the harmful effects of asbestos were confirmed, building decontamination was made mandatory. Formerly used in construction for several purposes, asbestos can still be found in architectural and mechanical, components under different forms, but it is illegal to remove it without the help of professionals. To guarantee the safety of the workers and the people who will live or work in the building, an expert in asbestos removal is required. He will make sure that the work is carried out following a protocol that is in compliance with very strict quality standards.
The removal of asbestos requires sophisticated equipment and special electric devices, such as HEPA negative air pressure systems, power washers, motorised respirators, also called PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator), and others, in order to completely eliminate the asbestos while protecting the workers and occupants from the high toxicity of this substance.
For a free quotation or to learn about our asbestos removal services, please contact us.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos is part of a family of fibrous and crystalline minerals, which can damage the human respiratory system when inhaled. The asbestos fibers—also called asbestos dust—penetrate in the respiratory system and plug the lung’s air cells. In time, repeatedly affected pulmonary tissues will form scars and become less elastic, making it increasingly difficult for the person to breathe. Asbestos can also affect the larynx, the esophagus, the trachea, the stomach, the intestines and the kidneys, causing a number of possible diseases.
For all those reasons, asbestos is considered harmful. The principal health problems linked to it are:
How can I see if my house or building is contaminated?
Asbestos diagnosis are conducted on buildings in use and on those to be demolished in the residential, commercial, industrial and institutional sectors. In the first case, the health of the occupants is jeopardized while in the second case, pulling them down could project harmful asbestos dust into the air. Moreover, because asbestos was such a cheap and versatile material, it is often found in houses and commercial or industrial buildings.
Where is asbestos most commonly found?
Once used as a thermal, soundproofing or fireproofing insulator, asbestos can still be found in many materials of a building. In 1984, it has been discovered that asbestos was also present in the vermiculite used to insulate the attic space of houses. Often invisible to the naked eye, asbestos is nevertheless very harmful.
Although it was used in many ways, asbestos is most commonly found in:
Only an expert can carry out an asbestos diagnosis. Observation and lab analysis will allow him to decide whether or not your building needs decontamination.
How is asbestos decontamination performed?
Asbestos removal is performed according to a procedure established by the law and with equipment that must meet specific requirements. For everyone’s safety, the process must necessarily follow the three following steps:
- asbestos location or diagnosis
- decontamination (carrying away of non-contaminated objects), containment of the area to be treated (static or dynamic containment), removal of the asbestos (by cleaning or damp removal) and clearing away of waste
- examination of the treated areas to ensure a complete decontamination.
Asbestos removal is a complex process that requires a professional expertise like that of Isolation Algon 2000
We have performed asbestos diagnosis and removal for more than 25 years. Expert on the subject since the beginning of the “Asbestos Crisis,” Algon can help you. For your residential, commercial, industrial or institutional building, we know how to proceed to spare you any unnecessary risk. Contact us, our quotations are free and our work is guaranteed.