Reduce health risks from asbestos in your attic

Planning home renovations that include work in the attic? Before you start any work, you should make sure your insulation doesn't contain asbestos, a substance that, if inhaled, can cause cancer and other illnesses.

Even though the Government of Canada is moving forward with a ban on the use of asbestos, many homes built before 1990 may have vermiculite insulation that can contain asbestos.

If you're not sure whether your attic contains vermiculite insulation, you should consult with a qualified asbestos removal professional before starting any work.

Vermiculite insulation that contains asbestos poses no significant health risk if it remains isolated and undisturbed in the attic. However, over time, some of the insulation may have fallen into the walls, so other precautions may be needed.

If inhaled, asbestos fibres can pose serious risks to your health. That's why you should never disturb vermiculite insulation in your attic, or try to remove it yourself. Instead, seek out the advice of a qualified asbestos abatement professional.

If you suspect or know that there is insulation containing asbestos in your home, Health Canada has the following safety tips for you and your family:

• Never disturb vermiculite-based attic insulation in any way.

• Never allow children in the attic.

• Never use the attic for storage or any other use.

• Seal all cracks and holes in the ceilings of the rooms below the insulation ( for example, apply caulking around light fixtures and the attic hatch) to prevent insulation or dust from seeping through.

• Seal all cracks and holes by applying caulking around window and door frames, along baseboards and around electrical outlets.