Asbestosis

How to prevent asbestosis?

If you work in a job that still uses asbestos (shipbuilding, brake installation, building demolition, etc.), be sure to wear all the protective gear you need and follow safety procedures to reduce your risk of exposure. If you do not think your employer is doing enough to protect you from asbestos, contact your occupational health agency or the Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), a national government-funded agency.

If you are doing a renovation project in a home built before 1980s, you may be putting yourself at risk for asbestos exposure without even knowing it. Asbestos may be found in wall insulation, insulation around hot-water and steam pipes, soundproofing and decorating materials on the walls and ceilings, ironing board pads, textured paint, roofing and siding shingles, vinyl floor tiles and other items in your house. Having these items in your house is fine as long as they are not damaged or falling apart. If the material is damaged, do not remove it yourself- removing or disturbing the asbestos will release asbestos fibers into the air. Instead, call a trained professional to remove it.

Don't Mess with Asbestos