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Are you planning to do some home renovation? It may be wise to check for asbestos first, particularly if you live in an older home built before the 1980s. In Ontario, dealing with asbestos during renovations can be a challenge. This is because Canada did not have a complete asbestos ban until 2018. Also, if you’re in the Greater Toronto Area, asbestos testing in Whitby, Toronto, and other cities follows strict guidelines.

Identifying asbestos is a painstaking task. Before the discovery of its effects, asbestos is present in almost every stage of construction. Construction companies lined ceilings, walls, roofing, and even water pipes with asbestos.

Old homes and buildings that contain asbestos may pose a health hazard if not handled properly during demolition or remodelling. You must identify asbestos-containing materials before any work begins and take proper protective measures before beginning work.

There are several methods used to test for asbestos. The most common are measuring air samples, building materials, and soil and water testing. For this type of work, you need a professional provider of asbestos testing in Whitby, Toronto, and nearby areas.

Air Samples

Phase contrast microscopy (PCM) is the process used to measure the amount of asbestos present in the air. PCM checks air samples taken from the site. It is a popular method of inspection because it’s cheaper, and you get results fast. While PCM doesn’t identify asbestos fibres directly, it gives an idea of what types of fibres are present in the air sample.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the alternative method when the fibres are too small for PCM to detect. As TEM allows lab technicians to identify very small particles, it is very effective. TEM has become standard practice when testing air samples.

Building Materials

Testing the materials used for construction is also important. Polarized light microscopy is the most common method used for this purpose. Researchers use PLM to determine the structure of materials. It works by illuminating the sample with polarized light and then analyzing the patterns of colour reflected back from it to determine its structure.

Asbestos has a distinct signature, and PLM identifies it right away. This technique is ideal for construction materials, including wallboards, insulation, roofing materials, and even adhesives.

Soil and Water

The law requires testing the soil and water before starting any type of construction. Asbestos testing companies also use it to determine whether there are unusual amounts of asbestos or asbestos-heavy materials on sites. PLM is the preferred method of analysis for soil samples, while water samples primarily use TEM.

Get a Professional to Inspect for Asbestos

You need professional help when doing an asbestos inspection, as mishandling of the samples can lead to unwanted risks. Contact Air Doctors Inc. if you need collection, handling, and testing for asbestos in Toronto.