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Archive for the ‘Asbestos’ Category
Friday, November 4th, 2011
It’s hard to believe now, but at one time asbestos was seen as a kind of “miracle” substance that changed the construction business in North America.
After some experimentation with various materials, asbestos was mixed with cement by the early 20th century. In many ways, it was the ideal construction material – durable, both flame resistant and waterproof, easy to handle and form into a wide variety of useable shapes and formats. The mixtures used ranged from 10-75% cement to asbestos fibres, and were found to be nearly indestructible.
It’s no wonder that siding shingles became one of the very many uses for the asbestos-cement mixture. It was commonly used for industrial buildings, where corrugated sheets replaced corrugated iron. It was more economical and more flexible. Since it was easy to form into any shape, asbestos-cement shingles may feature a variety of finishes, including textured, wood-like and purely decorative applications. These shingles were secured at the bottom, rather then the top as was common with wood or slate shingles, which made them easier to replace.
Asbestos-cement was seen as a versatile, innovative building material in many respects until the early 1970′s and the first bans on asbestos use were initiated in North America. After decades of exposure, asbestos workers had come to present with alarming symptoms, and a link was discovered between inhaled asbestos fibres and a form of lung cancer.
What’s important to remember is that the fibres must be inhaled to become hazardous. Building materials are only considered hazardous if they have deteriorated to the point that they can be crumbled by hand. Asbestos-cement, if intact, is not considered hazardous because the cement fully binds the fibres; therefore they don’t circulate in the air where they can be breathed in.
However any material does deteriorate over time, and chipping, sawing, grinding, sanding – even a large scratch in the surface can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air. They keys to safe maintenance are:
- Inspection – keep a close eye on the exterior of your home or wherever the materials include asbestos
- Maintenance – clear away any debris as quickly as you can, and avoid contact with things like the lawnmower or weedeater and siding
At Environmental Services Group, asbestos surveys and assessments are one of our areas of expertise. If you see any cracks or chips in need of repair or suspect asbestos use in any of the building materials in your home, then call the experts at Environmental Services Group for a quote.
Environmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario. We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. Call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation. You’ll be glad you did!
Tags: Asbestos Removal Toronto, Asbestos siding removal, Asbestos Surveys Toronto, asbestos testing toronto, GTA, North York, Ontario
Posted in Asbestos, Asbestos sampling Toronto, Remediation Guidelines | No Comments »
Friday, August 19th, 2011
One of the greatest possible threats to indoor air quality is asbestos. The fire-retardant material’s tiny fibers harm our lungs immediately after exposure and can cause several forms of cancer, including mesothelioma, a cancer that attacks the protective lining covering the body’s organs.
One person who understands the true danger behind asbestos: Michaela Keyserlingk. Asbestos gave her husband mesothelioma after he worked for years on Canadian naval ships. It killed him. And she’s not happy about it.
Keyserlingk recently ruffled the Canadian federal government’s feathers; she used the PC Party logo in an online popup ad she created, stating: “Canada is the only western country that still exports asbestos!”
The Conservatives aren’t upset that she told a lie. She didn’t. After all, they’ve made their own bed this spring and summer by publicly taking the position that, even though we demand asbestos removal in our own country, it’s OK to export it to developing nations. The stance has drawn some of the worse worldwide criticism for Canada in recent memory; even Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show attacked Canadian asbestos mining with a vicious segment.
For that reason, Keyserlingk figured it was justified to simply post an ad stating the government’s established position. She got under the Tories’ skin quickly. Dan Hilton, executive director of the Conservative Party, warned her for “unauthorized use of trademark” and insisted that failure to stop using the logo immediately “made result in further action.”
Is their dissent in the Conservative ranks? Why should they be upset over an ad stating a complete true fact? If the Tories are worried about the mention of their asbestos exportation tarnishing their image, here’s an idea: stop doing it.
Keyserlingk knows she’s in legal trouble but insists that she’ll only take the ad down when the government properly explains why it supports asbestos exportation. The Keyserlingks are direct evidence of the horrible death asbestos cause; maybe their tale will cause the government to finally take asbestos seriously.
Environmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario. We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. Call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation. You’ll be glad you did!
Tags: asbestos, asbestos exportation, asbestos removal, asbestos risks, indoor air quality
Posted in Asbestos, Asbestos sampling Toronto, Indoor Air Quality | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
Study: indoor air cleaners can reduce asthma in children
In the summer months, we’re particularly sensitive about any threats to our indoor air quality, including mold caused by excessive moisture or contaminated air as a result of sealing a home for air conditioning.
But what about some positive news for a change? A recent study by the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center suggests that indoor air cleaners can greatly reduce air pollution in the home and significantly lower the rates of daytime asthmas symptoms – even to the same level that anti-inflammatory asthma drugs can.
The study was done by plugging free-standing air cleaners into 41 different Baltimore-based households for six months. While the findings are encouraging, they still suggest that the air cleaners are most effective if used in conjunction with other environmental protection measures.
The air cleaners didn’t reduce the effects of agents such as second-hand smoke. By the same logic, an indoor air cleaner’s effectiveness could be reduced by the presence of mold, asbestos, lead, radon or other environmental threats.
The study should serve as an extra motivator to have an environmental consulting firm sweep your home. If you install an indoor air cleaner and undergo mold removal, lead testing and so on, you could have the cleanest home — and the healthiest family – on your block! Taking the proper diligence to have the experts inspect every threat to your indoor air quality will ensure that your indoor air cleaners will be as effective as possible.
Environmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario. We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. Call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation. You’ll be glad you did!
Tags: asbestos removal, indoor air quality, Lead testing, mold removal, Radon testing
Posted in Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality, Lead Testing, Mold Removal, Radon Testing | No Comments »
Friday, July 29th, 2011
You’re concerned about your home’s indoor air quality this summer. You want to make sure your home has no asbestos, toxic mold, lead or any other harmful environmental agents. So you do the responsible thing and hire a home inspector for the job.
That should cover you, right? Make your home a safe environment?
You’d think so, but that unfortunately isn’t true. A growing problem in Toronto environmental consulting and home inspections: too many of them aren’t good enough.
Far too many companies simply mail in the job. They may mistake actual toxic mold for simple water damage – even though water damage itself fosters mold. They don’t check the tough-to-reach places like roofs or piping inside drywall. They forget that lead testing includes outdoor toys like swing sets.
So how do you conquer the problem? One solution is to follow a home inspector around as he or she works on your house. Another is to file a complaint and hope the company will apologize and re-do the job for free.
But there’s a better route to take: hiring the right company. Having a poor home inspection may save you money in the short term but, more often than not, it costs you much more because of the eventual renovations you may require thanks to half-cooked inspections.
A proper home inspector should be certified, whether it’s in lead, asbestos, mold, indoor air quality, or all of the above. Before hiring just any inspector, it pays in the long run to do your homework. Read online reviews, look for testimonials and peruse the company’s website. How many years of experience does it have? What special certifications or awards does it have?
A proper inspection will leave no stone unturned. It’ll check every crack for ventilation leaks or every floor tile for mold. Sure, it could cost slightly more (though not always), but it will literally save you thousands of dollars in the long run. A good inspection only has to be done once!
Environmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario. We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. Call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation. You’ll be glad you did!
Tags: environmental consulting Toronto, home inspections, indoor air quality, Lead testing, mold removal
Posted in Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality, Lead Testing, Mold Removal | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Naturally, improving the environmental conditions in any workplace is good for one’s health. Mold removal, asbestos detection, indoor air quality checks and so on ensure that you’re exposed to fewer hazards.
However, keeping your buildings or work environments “healthy” can be expensive. Hiring an environmental consulting firm to inspect and remove toxic materials strains the wallet!
Or so we thought. As a recent study published in the The Globe and Mail suggests, in the grand scheme of things, an environmentally cleaner workplace can actually improve worker productivity. That means staying on top of building hazards increases your profits instead of just straining your bankbook.
The study discussed in the newspaper came from the National Bureau of Economic Research. It deals more with outdoor environmental factors but the principle it outlines applies to any workplace, indoor or outdoor.
The researchers analyzed data from farm workers in the Central Valley of California during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Farmers would scan a barcode into a computer each time they collected a bushel of blueberries or gapes, thus quantifying their performance.
The study found a direct link between the presence of ground-level ozone and productivity. Like many other compounds, such as mold or asbestos, high concentrations of ozone irritate the lungs, limiting their function, and exacerbate cardiovascular disease.
According to the study, cleaner air in the form of a 10 part-per-billion reduction in ozone concentration led to a 4.2 per cent increase in worker productivity. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, that would translate into $1.1 billion in annual cost savings.
That’s just one example to follow – but it’s extremely important. To any business wondering about mold removal, asbestos, or any other toxic compounds that affect lung and heart function: FIX IT. It may cost you money in the short-term but it’s been scientifically proven that you will literally profit from it in the long term.
The reason is simple and pure common sense: healthier workers are better workers.
Environmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. Call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation.
Tags: asbestos sampling, indoor air quality, mold removal
Posted in Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality, Lead Testing, Mold Removal | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Environmental services group makes a habit of setting standards for safety and asbestos testing for all environmental consulting firms in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond to follow, so its latest move doesn’t come as a major surprise.
ESG recently implemented a new, company-wide standard for detecting asbestos fibres in Vermiculite sampling. The traditional method for detecting asbestos in vermiculite and soil, known as EPA method 600/R-93-116, was problematic because it couldn’t guarantee negative results. That was a major concern given the damage that asbestos fibres cause to our lungs. Asbestos detection needs to be better.
That’s why ESG implemented a new, state-of-the art method for detecting asbestos in Vermiculite samples. The analysis includes CARB 435 milling prep, which allows for a true and proper quantification of asbestos fibres. The new method bridges the gap from “probably” to “definitely” when searching for asbestos.
The breakthrough for ESG is great news for the many “sick” buildings in the GTA, which are afflicted with asbestos, mold and other harmful chemicals and have poor indoor air quality. All asbestos sampling in vermiculite going forward will include the CARB 435 preparation standards. ESG won’t stop with this new finding; it will continue to search for the most accurate, innovative standards in asbestos removal, lead detection, mold removal, radon detection and many more environmental safety procedures.
Any home or business owner concerned about asbestos in vermiculite should no longer settle for anything less than the CARB 435 milling prep method. Testing accuracy is imperative when it involves protecting our lungs from carcinogenic fibres.
Environmental Services Group is a cutting-edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. Call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation.
Tags: asbestos sampling Toronto, asbestos testing toronto, GTA, Ontario, vermiculite sampling Toronto
Posted in Asbestos, Asbestos sampling Toronto, Indoor Air Quality | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
If you know Environmental Services Group, you know we strive to lead by example in the field of environmental consulting rather than maintain status quo. We’re constantly trying to discover new practices and set new standards for processes like asbestos removal, lead testing, mold detection and so on.
So, when one of our own makes a special effort to better his or herself and raise the personal standard for our employees, it’s important to recognize that person as a leader. Matt Magnus deserves that special attention.
Matt specializes in asbestos testing and decided that the standard for asbestos testing in Toronto, the GTA and beyond wasn’t good enough. He thus decided to complete a three-day course at the Asbestos Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. The process helped him earn a certification not required in his home province of Ontario, Canada.
Standards for asbestos testing and sampling are stricter in the U.S. Schools require asbestos sampling from someone with official Building Inspector Certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. By completing the course in Phoenix, Matt earned that special designation, even though it isn’t required by law in Canada.
Matt’s official accolade: US EPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Building Inspector Certification. Equipped with valuable new knowledge from the training course, he plans to implement new standards across ESG, updating asbestos sampling consultants on the most state-of-the-art procedures.
One example of a valuable lesson Matt is passing to ESG; workers often inflict damage while performing asbestos samplings. Ironically, while they’re trying to detect harmful chemicals, they’ll kick up dust, chemicals and other dangerous fibres during the process and sometimes leave them behind.
However, in light of Matt’s findings, all ESG consultants will be outfitted with HEPA-filtered vacuums to ensure no hazardous mess is left behind following sampling procedures.
Congratulations to Matt Magnus for going above and beyond what was expected of him in the field of environmental consulting. Environmental Services Group is proud to have him!
Environmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We provide state-of-the-art asbestos testing and sampling services. In Toronto, call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation.
Tags: asbestos removal GTA, asbestos sampling, asbestos testing toronto, GTA, Ontario
Posted in Asbestos, Asbestos sampling Toronto, Mold Removal | No Comments »
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Contrary to what many businesses believe, it may actually “pay to go green.”
A recent poll conducted by TD Bank revealed that consumers believe green or environmentally friendly buildings have at least some positive impact on their communities. Being green for a building could mean being constructed or renovated using sustainable materials; it could also mean being properly inspected for potentially harmful agents.
How can a building ensure it’s as environmentally friendly as possible if it’s already built and no renovations are the horizon? Finding a good environmental consulting firm is a start. The proper experts can help a building with lead testing, asbestos and mold removal, radon testing and countless other ways of measuring how much risk to residents’ health and to the environment a given building poses.
The survey also revealed a generation gap among the responders. The younger groups – the “millenials” aged 18 to 34 – were the most aware of green buildings and the most likely to tailor their consumption based on whether or not a company’s venue is environmentally conscious. In other words, the biggest consumers of the future are the most environmentally aware.
The survey’s revelation suggests a win-win situation for businesses and consumers. By undergoing proper environmental consulting and inspection for their buildings, businesses obviously reduce their company’s environmental footprints and make their buildings safer places to work, shop and breathe. But the simple act of becoming greener can also be profitable. The upcoming younger generation wants to give its business to the greenest companies.
Now, it’s up to businesss in Toronto, the GTA and all over the world to take the next step. Ensure your company’s buildings have the highest standards for indoor air quality and environmental friendliness and the customers will follow you. The next step is to let the world know you’re doing it.
Jacquelynn Henke, Real Estate Strategy Officer for TD Bank, says it best:
“Consumers do believe [green] buildings are good for the environment and for their own health, but businesses must do a better job of communicating to their customers and the communities they serve about the development of environmentally friendly buildings.”
Environmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. Call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation.
Tags: Asbestos Removal Toronto, Environmental Consultants in Toronto Ontario, green buildings, mold removal
Posted in Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality, Lead Testing, Mold Removal, Radon Testing | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Most residents in Toronto and the GTA have a strong idea of what the biggest environmental threats in the home are to both them and their children: staples like lead, mold and asbestos. And it’s natural to seek out companies for asbestos removal, mold testing, lead testing and so on to address the problems.
But what about the less obvious threats – the common and potentially toxic chemicals found in most homes? Here are a few important ones to remember.
Cleaning products
Cleaning products for glass, wood, tile, ovens, drains and so on contain plenty of hazardous chemicals, from ammonia to sulphuric acid to formaldehyde and so on. It’s difficult to ever remove such toxic chemicals from the home, as everyone needs to clean, but there are alternatives. Making an effort to use more natural cleaning agents (like vinegar or baking soda) not only keeps young ones safe and emits fewer harmful chemicals into your lungs, it’s also a much more environmentally friendly solution.
Furniture
Whereas an environmental consulting company would be aware of it, typical residents wouldn’t naturally think of furniture as “chemically” threatening. Wood is often treated with dangerous chemicals; shortly after installation, even new carpets can release toxic compounds into the air. If you’re moving into a new home or acquiring lots of new furniture, it’s a good idea to have an expert inspect it.
Building materials
We all know about checking insulation and the importance of asbestos removal. But even outdoor fixtures like jungle gyms may have been previously treated with dangerous chemicals.
To an extent, you can control your own destiny and ensure your home is safe by keeping harmful products out of children’s reach. You can also make sure you’re “green” by purchasing more natural chemicals for cooking and cleaning. However, to go the extra mile and truly ensure your home (or office) is safe, bringing in an environmental expert is often the safest route.
Environmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. Call 416-575-6111 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation.
Tags: Environmental consulting
Posted in Asbestos | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
Recent studies across several provinces have shown an increase in mesothelioma symptoms, a serious lung cancer that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
These studies are on workers in British Columbia, however workers are affected across the country in a multitude of occupations. These people include the miners in the two Quebec asbestos mines and tradespeople in Ottawa and Toronto who work to renovate heritage buildings that contain asbestos materials.
An Ottawa-based study found that 1,500 workers in British Columbia are expected to die from asbestos-related diseases within the next three years, as well as that this number is a low estimate due to asbestos-related respiratory issues being mistaken for other illnesses. Once these illnesses are definitively diagnosed as asbestos-related later on, it’s too late for treatment. WorkSafe BC, British Columbia’s worker safety organization, has found that not even a quarter of those workers affected filed for workman’s compensation between 1992 and 2004.
Despite the majority of Canada’s asbestos exposure being occupation-related, less than half of those who applied for compensation due to mesothelioma received compensation. Canada has a number of regulations in place to protect workers, from wearing protective gear to the proper handling of asbestos materials. Unfortunately, many workers who come into contact with asbestos materials can be unaware of the dangers or even their presence when working on older buildings. Despite precautions, workers are still dying because of asbestos and even bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothes, which can expose family members.
Another very scary development in asbestos awareness is that Health Canada has found some construction companies will hide the fact that asbestos is present from workers in order to cut costs and not have to follow time-consuming precautions.
Recently, a former Health Canada committee chairman who researched asbestos for the organization told the Vancouver Sun that all of the new asbestos cases are a “steady stream of death”, and that some of the workers who have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses that proved to be fatal were exposed to asbestos for only as long as a single day on the job.
Should you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or business, Contact EnvironmentalServicesGroup.ca – Toronto’s asbestos survey and assessment specialists. We can help.
EnvironmentalServicesGroup.ca ~ Providing Asbestos Removal in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Southwest and Central Ontario. Contact us today in Toronto at (416) 575-6111; Mississauga (905) 905-824-5733; Southwest Ontario (London, Sarnia, Windsor) (519) 434-0796; Barrie (705) 719-0746 or Toll Free 1-866-310-4219.
Tags: Asbestos Removal Toronto
Posted in Asbestos | No Comments »
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