Frequently Asked Questions

• Chrysotile (White Asbestos): Found in ceilings, walls, floors, and roofs • Amosite (Brown Asbestos): Commonly used in insulation boards and pipe insulation • Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos): Previously used in high-temperature insulation and cement products

Vermiculite insulation is a lightweight, granular material often found in attics. Some older vermiculite may contain asbestos fibres, posing health risks when disturbed.

• Heating system insulation • Flooring materials • Insulation around stoves and furnaces • Appliance door gaskets • Sprayed soundproofing or decorative material • Patching compounds and textured paints • Exterior building materials • Fireplace accessories and household products • Automotive parts

Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Risks increase with repeated or prolonged exposure.

Do not disturb the material. Limit access to the area, avoid any renovations, and contact Clean Air Services for professional assessment and advice.

Clean Air Services provides safe sampling and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence and type of asbestos. Results guide proper management or removal.

Removal involves safely extracting asbestos-containing materials under strict controls. Encapsulation may also be used to seal fibres in place, minimizing exposure.

Abatement refers to procedures that reduce asbestos hazards. Typical procedures include containing the affected area, using protective equipment, removing or sealing materials, and thoroughly cleaning to prevent fibre release.

• HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners • Polyethylene drop sheets (minimum 6 mm thickness) • Labelled asbestos disposal bags (minimum 6 mm thickness) • Spray bottles or pump sprayers for wetting asbestos • Barriers and warning signs for the work area • Hand-powered abatement tools • Mops, rags, and water for cleanup • Fire extinguishers • A first aid kit

Workers pass through decontamination units, remove protective clothing, and shower before exiting. The area is cleaned with HEPA vacuums and air tested for safety.

Commercial removal involves site assessment, regulated containment, safe extraction or encapsulation, and disposal as per provincial guidelines. Clean Air Services coordinates all stages to minimize business disruption.

Asbestos may be present in pipe insulation, sprayed-on fireproofing, ceiling and floor tiles, HVAC duct wrap, and drywall joint compound.

• Encapsulation: Applying sealants to lock fibres inside materials • Containment: Isolating areas to prevent fibre spread • Abatement: Removing or sealing hazardous materials to eliminate risk