Asbestos

Asbestos can pose a serious health risk when fibres are released into the air and breathed in. Fibres can become airborne when asbestos-containing materials break down, deteriorate or are cut, sanded, drilled, scraped, broken, removed or otherwise disturbed.

Materials that contain asbestos do not always create a hazard. If asbestos-containing materials are tightly bound in a product, sealed behind walls or floorboards, isolated in an attic and left undisturbed, there may be no significant health risk. These materials should still be monitored for damage or deterioration.

• Do not disturb the material. Avoid sanding, drilling, cutting, scraping, sweeping or vacuuming suspected asbestos-containing materials.
• Keep people away from damaged or deteriorating materials until they can be assessed.
• Before renovating, remodelling, demolishing or building an addition, hire a qualified professional to inspect and test suspected materials.
• If asbestos is found and removal is needed, hire a qualified asbestos removal specialist before beginning work.
• If you have vermiculite-based attic insulation, do not disturb it or attempt to remove it yourself. Keep children out of the attic, avoid using the attic for storage and hire trained professionals before any renovation or repair work.
• If you believe you may have been exposed to airborne asbestos fibres, speak with your health care provider.
• If you smoke, consider seeking help to quit. Smoking and asbestos exposure together can increase the risk of lung cancer.

If suspected asbestos-containing material is protected, sealed or enclosed and is not damaged, it may be best to leave it undisturbed. If the material is damaged, deteriorating or likely to be disturbed, a qualified professional can advise whether it should be repaired, sealed, enclosed or removed.

Asbestos removal can be complex and should be handled carefully to protect workers, residents and others nearby. Proper containment, protective equipment, cleanup and disposal procedures are important to prevent asbestos fibres from spreading beyond the work area. Check with provincial or territorial workplace safety authorities for qualifications, certifications or requirements that may apply in your area.

Remember the WATCH acronym to improve ventilation in any space:

• Windows
  • Open windows as much as possible. Even a crack helps!
  • Keep doors open to circulate air
  • Two open windows with a fan to blow out one window is optimal
• Air Movement
  • Check if you feel air coming from the diffusers or air vents
  • Attach a ribbon to the vent for a visual cue
• Thermostat
  • Keep the FAN setting on when a room is occupied
  • AUTO is okay when the room is unoccupied
• CO₂ Levels
  • Use a CO2 monitor with a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor
• HEPA Filter or Corsi-Rosenthal Box
  • Use the highest setting (noise permitting)
  • Move 1.5ft away from walls & corners
  • Place as close as you can to the center of the room
  • Avoid blowing directly at anyone
  • Disable features like: ionization, plasma, UV with catalyst, auto
  • Keep away from open windows, air vents, other HEPA filters

If your CO₂ monitor is showing higher levels of CO₂, you may want to consider one or more of the following:

• Reducing the number of people in the building/room;
• Avoiding strenuous activities (singing. dancing, shouting);
• Open windows and doors (where it won't pose a risk to people or impact HVAC system);
• Install screens so that windows and doors can be opened without pests coming in;
• Servicing or upgrading your HVAC system;
• Consider using HEPA filters in your HVAC system to reduce particles in the air that may contain viruses or bacteria;
• Increase the amount of air being drawn into your HVAC system (decrease circulation of "stale" air);
• Place portable air filtration systems throughout the building; and/or
• Increasing the humidity of your space