The Thompson Nicola Regional District and the City of Kamloops are reminding resident homeowners of the potential hazards associated with asbestos.
Both organizations are urging residents to have a quality assessment done on their homes if they were built before 1990 and are planning a renovation. Speaking with an abatement contractor about the proper safe-handling procedures for potential asbestos-containing materials can help prevent complications.
“Before someone begins a renovation or demolition project, we recommend that people contact a qualified company to assess for and remove asbestos,” said Jamie Vieira, TNRD Manager of Environmental Services. “They are trained on proper procedures, equipment, containment, and abatement, and they can do air quality testing to ensure that no asbestos fibres are left floating in the air afterward.”
According to the TNRD, asbestos is not a health risk if left intact. If disturbed, fibres are released into the air, are easily inhaled, and stay airborne for hours or days. Repeated exposure can lead to lung cancer or other lethal diseases. Asbestos can be found in over 3,000 common building materials including vinyl flooring, stucco, insulations, roof shingles, drywall mud, and more.
Materials containing asbestos will only be accepted at Mission Flats Landfill in Kamloops or the Lower Nicola Landfill near Merritt if they are pre-approved. To further protect workers and landfill customers, the TNRD and the City are exploring opportunities to implement processes in 2020 for inspections of residential and commercial loads of waste construction material.
“The intention is to have personnel inspect materials and share information with the public about safe practices around disposing of actual and potential asbestos-containing materials,” said Glen Farrow, the City’s Streets, and Environmental Services Manager.
For more on asbestos, click here.
