WorkSafeBC has launched an awareness campaign targeted to homeowners who are considering or undertaking renovations or demolitions regarding the dangers of asbestos in homes built before 1990.
“Asbestos kills,” says Al Johnson, WorkSafeBC’s vice president of Prevention Field Services. “Renovations and demolitions of older properties continue at a very high rate and homeowners need to be informed.”
Asbestos is the number-one killer of workers in British Columbia. In the 10 years from 2006 to 2015, 584 B.C. workers died from diseases related to asbestos exposure.
In homes built before 1990, asbestos can potentially be found in more than 3,000 building materials such as linoleum, wall board and filling compound. Asbestos can be released into the air when these building materials are drilled, sawed, sanded or broken up during a renovation or demolition.
WorkSafeBC has many resources about how to stay safe around asbestos on its asbestos-specific websites at ThinkAsbestos.com, HiddenKiller.ca or on its website at WorkSafeBC.com.
Some common asbestos-containing materials include:
• Vinyl tiles and linoleum sheet flooring
• Roof felt and shingles
• Loose, blown-in insulation, such as vermiculite
• Stucco
• Gypsum board filling compound, and patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
• Incandescent light fixture backing
• Deck undersheeting
