April 1 to 7 marks the 22nd annual Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW). This year, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is focusing on the theme: “Asbestos: One Word. One Week. One World.”
This international initiative is dedicated to preventing exposure and protecting public health. While the ultimate goal is an asbestos-free future, the legacy asbestos already present in Canadian buildings remains a very real hazard. For property managers, contractors, and maintenance teams, knowledge is your best line of defense. Knowing what an Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) is, where it hides, and how to safely navigate it is the foundation of a safe and compliant job site.
The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is classified as a Designated Substance in Ontario and across Canada. This means it is a material known to be so hazardous that it is heavily regulated to protect workers from toxic exposure.
The immediate danger of asbestos lies in its friability. A friable material is one that can be easily crumbled, crushed, or reduced to powder by mere hand pressure. When these materials are unknowingly disturbed during renovations or maintenance, microscopic fibers are released into the air. Inhalation of these fibers is directly linked to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
The risk often does not stop at the job site. These jagged, microscopic fibers easily stick to clothing, hair, and tools, and they do not wash out in a standard laundry cycle. Without proper abatement protocols – like full negative-pressure enclosures and dedicated decontamination showers – workers risk carrying these fibers home, causing secondary exposure illnesses among their families.
Where Do Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) Hide?
If you manage a facility or work on a demolition crew, you know that asbestos is rarely obvious. It is often tucked away in common building materials. If a building was constructed or renovated prior to the 2018 Canadian asbestos ban, it is critical to look out for:
Mechanical Systems: Thermal pipe insulation, boiler wrapping, and HVAC duct tape.
Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles, linoleum sheet flooring, and black mastic adhesives.
Finishes: Drywall joint compound, textured “popcorn” ceilings, and acoustic ceiling tiles.
Exteriors: Roofing felts, asphalt shingles, cement board (Transite), and window caulking.
Always treat suspect materials as asbestos until a comprehensive Designated Substances Survey (DSS) proves otherwise. Asbestos is generally safe when intact; the danger begins the moment it is improperly handled or disturbed.
How ECOH Can Help: Knowledge, Training, and Compliance
When it comes to hazardous materials, knowledge is power. Recognizing risks and following strict abatement protocols is what separates a professional operation from a major liability. Failing to properly identify ACMs or provide adequate training puts workers at risk and exposes employers to severe regulatory penalties.
At ECOH, we specialize in helping organizations navigate these risks. We provide expert Asbestos Awareness and Certification Training designed to educate your team on safe handling practices, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, and regulatory compliance. Beyond asbestos, our hazardous materials consulting team provides full Designated Substances Surveys (DSS) and remediation oversight to ensure your projects proceed safely and legally.
