Our team can help you with asbestos abatement and removal

Aztec Group has been serving the Alberta and Saskatchewan regions since 2009 by dealing with mold, lead, mastic, vermiculite and asbestos in commercial and industrial properties. Working with engineers, our certified team of project managers and field staff take advantage of the most thorough, up-to-date investigation and testing methods to determine where there are mold, lead, mastic, vermiculite and asbestos. Then they use the safest reduction or removal methods to eliminate the hazard, leaving your space decontaminated and clean. Our years of experience in the field, first-rate qualifications, certified professional staff and excellent track record have made us a leader in asbestos, mold and lead abatement and remediation.

Asbestos Abatement and Removal

Every asbestos abatement and removal project we complete includes the removal of all waste according to the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual. Hire our team today to take care of your asbestos.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a general term for a group of fibrous minerals (primarily chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite) that have long been used as fireproof insulation and as a strengthener in pipe insulation, roofing tiles, floor tiles, wall coverings and other materials. Undisturbed asbestos-containing material (ACM) is not dangerous. But when asbestos-containing material is broken or torn, as during remodeling or demolition, the fibres can be spread into the air.

Studies have shown that inhaling high concentrations of these fibres can over time cause a disease called asbestosis, lung cancer and another type of cancer called mesothelioma. In asbestosis, delicate lung tissue is damaged by the body’s own attempts to remove embedded fibres. Mesothelioma can develop in the lining (pleura) of the lung or in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Symptoms of lung cancer or mesothelioma usually do not appear for 15 to 30 years after exposure; for asbestosis, the latency period is 25 to 40 years.

Special training and equipment are required to remove asbestos-containing material safely. For this reason, provincial regulations require a permit and the use of a licensed contractor for removal of asbestos-containing material from any structure.

What is mastic?

Asbestos adhesives were often used to install wood floors, vinyl tiles and other types of flooring. One of the most common flooring adhesives is called “black asbestos mastic.” Wall panels. Wallpaper and wall panels were commonly installed using asbestos adhesives. In most cases, black mastic lies flat against the subfloor, with no ridges, bumps, or gaps of any significance. It often has faint embedded swirls from its initial application. No asbestos fibers in the mastic will be visible to the bare eye.

What is vermiculite?

Vermiculite is a silver-gold to gray-brown mineral that is flat and shiny in its natural state. When heated to around 1000 degrees C, it pops (or puffs up) which creates pockets of air. This expanded form, and the fact that vermiculite does not burn, made the material suitable for use as insulation.

Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. However, some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres, which can cause problems if inhaled. As long as this kind of vermiculite-based insulation remains undisturbed behind intact walls or in attic spaces and does not become airborne, it should not be a concern.

What is lead paint?

Lead paint or lead-based paint is paint containing lead. As pigment, lead(II) chromate, Lead(II, IV) oxide, and lead(II) carbonate are the most common forms. Lead is added to paint to accelerate drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion.

When possible, the most reliable means of removing lead based paint, is by abatement.

What is the process for dealing with asbestos and other asbestos containing materials (ACM)?

Asbestos abatement procedures vary depending on the type, amount and location of the asbestos. In general, the procedures can be divided into three categories – low risk, moderate risk and high risk – according to their potential for generating airborne asbestos fibres.

All procedures follow the same four principles:

1. isolate the work area,
2. protect workers,
3. minimize the release of asbestos fibres, and
4. ensure adequate clean-up and decontamination.

Click to view a list of recently completed projects

What kinds of projects has the Aztec Group completed?

Do you want to hire our team for asbestos abatement and removal?
Request a free quote