When Was Asbestos Banned in Canada?

Canada has banned Asbestos in all construction, industrial processes, and maintenance activities.

The ban was implemented on April 30th, 2012. This means no one may sell, lease or permit the use of any asbestos-containing product in Canada.

Asbestos is highly dangerous to health issues such as lung cancer. That is why many people are worried about the future effects of an asbestos-laced home if they should ever move into one.

Several local governments have also listed their properties online to make their residents more aware of potential risks.

If you own a property that was built before the ban and still have old materials, such as insulation or siding made with asbestos cement, then you should seriously consider having them removed by a certified professional contractor.

Read on for more information on safely removing these materials from your home.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of different minerals with unique properties used in construction. When broken or cut, it is a fibrous mineral that releases tiny dust particles harmful to your health if inhaled.

Asbestos was once a popular material in home construction due to its strength and fire-resistant properties.

Unfortunately, it has been discovered that it becomes hazardous to humans when Asbestos is disturbed and broken.

Although the use of Asbestos in construction was banned in many countries in the 1960s, it continued to be used in Canada until 2011.

The Canadian government ended the use of Asbestos following the conclusion of a Health Canada study that found that Asbestos is responsible for at least 2,000 deaths each year in Canada. That is why you must thoroughly check your home for Asbestos if you have any materials from before the ban in your home.

Why Was Asbestos Banned in Canada?

Asbestos is a dangerous and poisonous material made from different minerals that, when broken or disturbed, get released into the air as a fine dust that is easy to inhale. The health risks of Asbestos were discovered years ago, and many countries have since banned its use.

The Canadian government banned the use of Asbestos in construction in 2011. In their report, Health Canada scientists discovered that Asbestos is responsible for the deaths of at least 2,000 people in Canada each year.

The high mortality rate from asbestos-related diseases is caused by the fine particles of asbestos fibers that get released into the air when the material is disturbed.

When inhaled, the asbestos particles get stuck in the lungs causing severe health problems. That is why the Canadian government banned the use of Asbestos in construction as they wanted to protect the public from its dangerous effects.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos is a dangerous and poisonous material made from different minerals that, when broken or disturbed, get released into the air as a fine dust that is easy to inhale. When Asbestos gets inhaled, the tiny fibers get stuck in the lungs.

Over time, the body tries to get rid of the fibers which accumulate in the lungs and other organs in your body. This can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

As mentioned, the Canadian government banned the use of Asbestos in construction in 2011. In their report, Health Canada scientists discovered that Asbestos is responsible for the death of at least 2,000 people in Canada every year.

Health Risks

There are some severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, incurable lung cancer, or other organs.

Long-term asbestos exposure can also cause asbestosis, an inflammation of the lungs that can lead to shortness of breath and chest pain.

Other health risks associated with asbestos exposure include lung disease, pneumoconiosis (inflammation of the lungs caused by long-term exposure to dust), and larynx cancer.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of death among those exposed to Asbestos.

Mesothelioma is rare cancer that occurs only in those exposed to Asbestos at work or other activities.

In addition to poor overall health, mesothelioma victims may have difficulty breathing, heartburn, and coughing up blood.

How to Check for Asbestos in Your Home

Asbestos can be found in various building materials made before the year 2011.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are not dangerous until they are disturbed.

This means that if the materials are left undisturbed, there are no toxic effects. But if you ever plan on renovating or demolishing a building, you must be aware of ACMs.

There are some ways you can identify ACMs in your home. First, you can look for warning signs like paper wrapping on your home’s walls or ceilings.

You can also check the materials used to make your roof and siding. If you find some materials in your home that were made before the ban, it is essential to identify them and know how to dispose of them properly.

It is also a good idea to keep them away from children and pets as they can get hurt if they accidentally walk into them.

How To Remove Asbestos from your Home

Asbestos is dealt with through sealing or covering it. Sealing involves treating the material with a sealant that either coats or binds the fibers together so they are not released. However, you should never remove Asbestos on your own, always call professionals.

Conclusion

As mentioned and explained in detail, Asbestos is a hazardous chemical that can cause serious health issues.

After years of research, it was banned in Canada and other countries due to the health risks it poses to individuals.

The ban on the use of Asbestos has spread in many nations worldwide, including all Organization Co-operation and Development country members except Mexico and the United States.

It is essential to acquaint yourself with the potential dangers of Asbestos and learn how to detect it.