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TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TO BE AWARE OF DURING RENOVATION OR DEMOLITION



Did you know that most homes built in 1990 contain hazardous materials? Even newer homes have at least one of the different types of hazardous materials like asbestos or mercury. That is why it is crucial to find a survey crew to inspect before you begin construction, renovation, or demolition on a building.

So, do you need a hazmat report in Vancouver? If you’re interested in learning more, here is a list of hazardous materials to be aware of during your renovation or demolition project. ASBESTOS If you inhale asbestos fibres, they can penetrate deep into the lungs. That leads to serious health risks and injuries down the road for whoever is exposed. Though dangerous, people use this material for several things like:

  • Coatings

  • Roofing

  • Compounds

  • Drywall

  • Flooring

  • Other materials for building

You have to get an asbestos testing company in Vancouver to come out to your construction or demolition site and take a survey. That is regardless of the construction site's age, too. Whether your building is old or new, there is always the chance that it contains asbestos fibres. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires about ten days' notice before construction starts. Once you hire an asbestos analysis in Vancouver, you will receive written documentation. This states whether your site contains or does not contain asbestos. LEAD Along with asbestos, lead is the most common type of hazardous waste in buildings. The lead comes in a variety of forms, and you can find it in things like:

  • Paint

  • Doors

  • Siding

  • Windows

A hazmat inspection team can come out to your construction site and analyze if there is toxic lead in the environment. MERCURY You would be surprised how many items contain mercury, especially if your house is older. Mercury is commonly found in these items:

  • High-intensity light bulbs (HID bulbs)

  • Smoke detectors

  • Control panels

  • Thermostats

  • Emergency switches

  • Latex paint

  • Auto switches

Cleaning up mercury spills poses severe risks to the health of everyone involved. By breathing a small amount of mercury into your lungs, you pose the risk of a damaged nervous system, among other health risks. AEROSOLS CANS Anything in the building that can leak or spray chemicals into the air is an aerosol. Even if the cans appear empty, they can still generate dangerous materials. These cans are pressurized, so they can leak or spray whatever contents may remain inside. POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS) PCBs are chemicals with hydrogen and chlorine compounds. They are mand-made and used in several different industrial ways like:

  • Heat transfer

  • Plastics

  • Hydraulic equipment

  • Rubber products

Caulking, which is present in older buildings, contains these hazardous PCB materials. When someone conducts an inspection, they will tell you how much PCB is in the caulking. If it has more than 50ppm of PCB, it is a biohazardous waste. GET A HAZMAT REPORT IN VANCOUVER There many more types of dangerous waste materials that tag along with asbestos. If you have a building that needs construction or demolition, it is time to get a hazmat report in Vancouver before you or anyone in the area gets affected. BC Hazmat Inspections is here to offer some of the most thorough inspections around. We urge you to be proactive and contact us today to get your survey started!


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