Our blog can often be a bit of a downer. It makes sense: we’re writing about mould — which can make you sick and your home uninhabitable — and asbestos — which can kill you. So even when you try to find light-hearted fun-facts, they inevitably end up being kind of terrible. We’re sorry.
Terrible Fact One! Asbestos was used as a prop for snow during the poppy scene from the 1939 Wizard of Oz.
Asbestos was actually used as fake snow fairly regularly back in the 30s. In films, theatres, and even department stores. Children would be allowed to play with and in it. Fortunately, the fake snow was seasonal, and one-off and temporary exposure is less dangerous than the continuous and ongoing exposure that many workers faced.
Terrible Fact Two! The spouses and children of those working with asbestos used to inhale particles off of the workers’ clothing and, like their spouse or parent, would often develop asbestosis and lung cancer.
Most people are aware of the dangers and illness experienced by those participating in the asbestos industry. Thousands of people in Canada alone died from lung complications caused by working in asbestos mines. It’s likely thousands more will die yet, since the effects are quite delayed and the last Canadian mine only closed in 2011. However, few people realized that there was enough asbestos residue on the skin and hands of industry workers to kill. Now a days, people working in the asbestos industry use powerful showers to remove particles. We’re very cautious and take care to keep the asbestos contained and away for your family and ours.
Terrible Fact Three! Asbestos was once used in over 3000 consumer products.
It’s pretty terrifying when you think about it, but at one time asbestos was looked at as a miracle material. It was fire resistant, chemically stable, affordable, and naturally occurring. Everything from hair driers to toasters and cigarette filters to toothpaste had asbestos in it. Fortunately, we know better today. However, a lot of older houses may still have asbestos products concealed within floor tiles, insulation, drywall — anything.
Asbestos is terrible, but we’re fortunate to live in a nation that doesn’t contribute to the problem anymore. Canada doesn’t mine Asbestos any longer, and many municipalities like Calgary require asbestos inspections before approving renos or demolitions. This helps to keep Canadians safe. If you think your home may have asbestos or if you need an asbestos inspection to get your building permit, Amity Environmental is here to help! Call us today at (403) 667-8264.
