Canadian government buildings get costly asbestos removal work done

Asbestos removal is costly
and dangerous, but necessary.

The Canadian government is spending millions of dollars to remove asbestos-containing materials from the Parliamentary Buildings, while at the same time refusing to include asbestos on the UN agreement on hazardous materials.

A total of more than 1,000 metric tons of asbestos have been removed from buildings since August, according to an in-depth article in The Hill-Times.

Some of the buildings housing offices, committee rooms, food production facilities and more are still in the demolition phase, which include asbestos abatement.

Many of the buildings were built in the early 20th century, when asbestos was still commonly used. It was hailed as a miracle substance once because of its high resistance to fire (it is heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Celsius).

Canada was a major exporter of chrysotile asbestos to developing countries and the fifth largest producer in the world. However, the two asbestos mines in Quebec recently stopped production, and no one knows if or when they will open again.

The World Health Organization has named asbestos as a proven human carcinogen. The danger of exposure is highest when asbestos fibres are being disturbed and can be inhaled, for example during renovations, demolition and construction work.

Protect workers and occupants with air cleaners

Electrocorp designs and manufactures customizable industrial air cleaners, including air cleaners for asbestos abatement.

They feature a multistage filtration system for particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, the largest adsorbent surface areas in the industry and more relevant filter media than other units at the same price point.

Contact Electrocorp for more information.