The Hidden Costs of Poor Asbestos Abatement: A Cautionary Tale

Asbestos containing materials in my house

When it comes to asbestos abatement, cutting corners can lead to disastrous consequences—both financially and emotionally. Unfortunately, many homeowners and businesses learn this the hard way when they hire unqualified contractors who fail to follow industry standards. At Western Health & Safety, we’ve seen firsthand how improper asbestos removal can spiral into a costly and stressful ordeal. 

​In one such case, a family was forced to leave their home for three months, battling with their insurance company while enduring over $200,000 in abatement and surface sampling costs. The root cause? An abatement company that used untrained workers, skipped critical air sampling, and performed their own final inspections without involving a third-party consultant. This cautionary tale underscores the importance of hiring certified professionals and adhering to best practices in asbestos management.
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The Risks of Unqualified Asbestos Contractors

Asbestos abatement is a highly regulated process for a reason. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they release microscopic fibers into the air that can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Proper containment, removal, and air sampling are essential to ensure that these fibers do not pose a risk to the occupants of the building. In this particular case, the abatement company failed on multiple fronts:

• Untrained Workers: The company employed workers who were not properly trained in asbestos removal, increasing the likelihood of improper handling and contamination.
• No Third-Party Consultant: A third-party consultant is crucial to ensure that the abatement process is conducted safely and according to industry standards. Without this oversight, there was no objective verification that the work was done correctly.
• No Air Sampling: Air sampling is a critical step in confirming that asbestos fibers have been safely removed from the environment. Skipping this step left the homeowners in a dangerous situation, with no assurance that their home was safe to re-enter.
• Self-Performed Final Inspections: The contractor performed their own final inspections, raising serious concerns about the thoroughness and objectivity of the evaluation. Without independent verification, the homeowners were left in the dark about the true safety of their home.

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The Financial and Emotional Toll

The consequences of these missteps were severe. The homeowners were displaced for three months, unable to return to their home while the situation was resolved. During this time, they faced a drawn-out battle with their insurance company, which was reluctant to cover the extensive costs of the abatement and surface sampling. In the end, over $200,000 was spent on remediation efforts before the family was finally allowed to move back in.
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​This case highlights not only the financial burden of improper asbestos abatement but also the emotional toll it can take on homeowners. Being displaced from your home, especially for an extended period, is a stressful and disruptive experience. Add to that the uncertainty of whether your home is truly safe, and it becomes clear why proper oversight and professional standards are so critical.

The Importance of Professional Oversight

At Western Health & Safety, we believe that every asbestos abatement project should be conducted with the highest level of professionalism and care. This means:

• Certified Workers: All workers involved in asbestos removal should be properly trained and certified to handle hazardous materials safely. In Alberta workers should have Alberta Asbestos Worker Card issued by Alberta Labour, and in BC Workers should have their Level 2 - Asbestos Abatement Card and the company should be licensed through WorkSafeBC.
• Third-Party Consultants: Independent consultants play a vital role in ensuring that the abatement process is conducted according to industry standards. They provide an objective assessment of the work and ensure that all safety protocols are followed.
• Asbestos Pollution Insurance: Both the abatement contractor and the consultant must have the inclusion of Asbestos Pollution for at least $1,000,000 per occurrence as well as their Commercial General Liability Insurance,  The consultant should have an additional $1,000,000 coverage in errors and liability insurance.
  
• Air Sampling: Air sampling should always be conducted before, during, and after the abatement process to confirm that asbestos fibers have been effectively removed from the environment.
• Independent Final Inspections: Final inspections should be performed by a third-party consultant, not the contractor, to ensure that the work has been completed safely and thoroughly.
• Clearance Letter: Following the asbestos abatement project, the contractor or the consultant should prepare a clearance letter stating that the asbestos abatement work is completed and that the building or area is safe to enter by unprotected personnel.

By adhering to these best practices, we can prevent situations like the one described above and protect the health and safety of homeowners and workers alike.
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Conclusion: Don’t Cut Corners on Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos abatement is not an area where you can afford to cut corners. The risks are too high, both in terms of health and financial costs. At Western Health & Safety, we are committed to providing expert asbestos management services that prioritize safety, compliance, and peace of mind. Our team of certified professionals follows industry-leading protocols to ensure that every project is completed safely and efficiently.

If you’re facing an asbestos issue in your home or workplace, don’t leave it to chance. Contact Western Health & Safety today for a consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of asbestos abatement with confidence.

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