Asbestos is a composition of six silicate minerals that are made of long and very thin fibers. The word asbestos actually came from an ancient Greek word that means inextinguishable. In history, people have been using asbestos to make products more durable and resistant to fire.

Natural deposits of asbestos exist in many parts of the world. This is why asbestos has been widely used in the production of materials like paper, cloth, and automobile products. It is also very popular in the construction industry.

Asbestos can be present in the following parts of the house:

● Vinyl floor tiles
● Acoustic ceiling
● Roof shingles and sidings
● Vermiculite insulation
● Electrical panels
● Drywalls
● wall-joint compounds/cement sheets
● Plasters and caulk
● Some adhesives
● Boards, pipes, and other products made of an asbestos-cement mix

Keep in mind that products containing asbestos are safe as long as they are intact. If these products or materials become damaged, they will eventually release the toxic mineral fibers in the air. Simply put, asbestos becomes dangerous only when it is inhaled or ingested.

Fortunately, short-term exposure to asbestos dust does not often yield to health problems. However, there is no safe level of exposure. When a person has inhaled or accumulated huge amounts of asbestos in the lungs, a deadly disease may develop.

The hardest part of having an asbestos-related disease is that most often, the symptoms start showing up late.

Asbestosis: This is an incurable scarring or inflammation of the lungs. As a result, the person affected by the disease will have breathing difficulty.

Cancer: The World Health Organization has officially declared asbestos as a carcinogen. This means that higher asbestos exposure leads to an increased risk of having cancer. The most common ones to develop are cancer of the lung, larynx, and ovary.

Mesothelioma: This is a kind of cancer that may affect the lungs, abdomen, or heart of the person. Symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest or abdominal pains are common.

Other diseases: It is also possible to develop benign diseases. These are pleural plaques, folded lung syndrome, and diffuse pleural thickening.

You are probably wondering if asbestos-containing materials are present in your home. If the structure was built before 1990, there is a good chance that it does.

Remember that as long as they are intact, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you are planning to renovate or some parts of the house looks delicate due to natural wear, it is best to call the experts.

As mentioned, the fibers are very tiny and microscopic in size. It will be hard to determine if they are actually present in the air. Asbestos has no distinctive smell, either.

If you suspect that there is asbestos contamination, experts can help by conducting laboratory tests and then safely removing the dust particles. The government mandates that asbestos should only be handled by licensed professionals.

Meanwhile, limit the activity in the area. Make sure not to let kids play around the vicinity. Do not sweep, vacuum, or clean as you may inhale asbestos dust in the process.

Licenses companies in British Columbia will perform the following services to complete the asbestos removal process.

● House and site inspection
● Laboratory tests on sample materials
● Asbestos encapsulation when it is best to cover the place with a protective barrier
● Asbestos removal when the only way to be safe is the complete elimination of asbestos-containing materials
● Retesting to make sure that the house or building is now safe

First, check if the contractor is licensed. This will ensure that the company properly follows regulations and safety protocols.

Next, select a contractor that values the safety of the workers. Technicians must wear complete gears like protective clothing and safety mask.

Finally, read the testimonies of previous customers. Look for companies that receive good feedback with their service.