As we’ve discussed multiple times on our IUPAT blog, asbestos removal is some of the most important work that our members do in and around Ontario. Asbestos has been linked with terrible physical and psychological health problems, including lung-related cancers. In an effort to reduce our society’s collective risk factors, the Canadian government announced in December 2016 that they would ban all asbestos use by 2018. Their ban applies to any products that may contain asbestos. It also relates to exported and imported materials and items.
As a result of this asbestos ban regulation, Health Canada and Environment Canada have pledged to develop anti-asbestos laws. These will fall under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and are scheduled to come into full being within the next two years. In addition, our government will form a partnership with the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. This partnership will force asbestos removal in Ontario and from all the building codes throughout the nation.
Despite these fantastic movements, we’re still right to be concerned. There is asbestos within buildings around the country, and it’s an enormous risk to everyone. Knowing this, our IUPAT union workers are focused on helping to rid us of this potentially-deadly substance.
How can both IUPAT members, individuals and families help with this mission?
- Have your home and buildings tested for asbestos. This is especially important before you agree to live or work there, whether or not you are buying the property. The sooner you recognize the presence of asbestos, the sooner it can be removed.
- If you suspect asbestos is in your house or workplace, do not do any type of remodeling work yourself. First, get someone to properly remove the asbestos. Asbestos removal is a very stringent procedure. It is not something you should ever attempt as a DIY project.
- If you know that there is asbestos in your residential or commercial property, find out how to get rid of it.
Our goals should be to make Canada a much safer place to grow up. One of the ways to do that is through an effort to reduce the use of asbestos, remove asbestos currently used in Ontario, and eliminate it from coming into the country.
Looking for a career possibility that has longevity? Asbestos removal is a strong industry, and is likely to be even stronger after government regulations come into place in 2018. Please contact the IUPAT for more information on how you can be a part of this historic movement to improve the environment of Canada.
