Asbestos Awareness: A 2024 Community Education Update

Company news from March 2024. FC Fire Prevention published an announcement about an asbestos-awareness initiative with The Mesothelioma Center. Its purpose was to draw attention to an issue relevant to older buildings, maintenance work and recovery after property damage.

This page preserves the historical announcement. It does not establish the current status of that relationship, a medical service, a completed outreach event or a measured improvement in health outcomes.

Understand the hazard before work begins

According to Health Canada’s asbestos guidance, breathing airborne asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Renovation, demolition or damage can disturb materials and release fibres.

Health Canada advises avoiding disturbance of materials that may contain asbestos and arranging professional testing before renovation or remodelling. If asbestos is found, use a qualified asbestos removal specialist. Materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed present a different situation from damaged or disturbed material.

A useful step for owners and managers

Before authorising work that could disturb older building materials, bring the concern to the project team. Keep relevant building records available and arrange qualified assessment where needed. Do not use an ordinary fire equipment inspection as evidence that materials are asbestos-free.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety explains that appearance alone cannot confirm whether a product contains asbestos. Its guidance also stresses that occupants should not disturb suspected material themselves.

Use the right source of help

For a possible exposure or a health concern, speak with a qualified health professional. For building materials, seek an appropriately qualified asbestos specialist and the relevant workplace safety guidance.

For questions about the original announcement or FC Fire Prevention’s fire protection services, contact our team.