WR Grace - Monokote V - Sprayed Applied Fireproofing
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Over 30 years ago, asbestos became notorious as a hazardous material linked to serious health conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. As many companies in the fireproofing industry began to phase out asbestos from their products, W.R. Grace & Co. saw an opportunity to gain a competitive edge. For years, chemical manufacturers had been using asbestos in fireproofing sprays due to its excellent insulating properties. When the dangers of asbestos were exposed, W.R. Grace announced a “completely asbestos-free” fireproofing product known as Monokote 5, claiming it addressed the “health and environmental aspects” of fireproofing materials.
This marketing move catapulted W.R. Grace to a dominant position in the industry, and Monokote 5 was applied extensively to the steel structures of office buildings, schools, and hotels across North America, including Calgary. However, the product’s safety claims were misleading. |
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The Hidden Asbestos in Monokote 5: Tremolite and Actinolite
Despite the assurances, Monokote 5 was not entirely free of asbestos. The product may have contained trace amounts of tremolite and actinolite, two lesser-known but equally dangerous forms of asbestos. These fibrous minerals, present as contaminants in the raw materials used to manufacture Monokote 5, can cause severe respiratory diseases when inhaled, just like the more well-known chrysotile asbestos.
Internal documents later revealed that W.R. Grace was aware of this contamination but chose to withhold the information from workers and clients. For nearly two decades, buildings in Calgary and beyond were coated with Monokote 5, posing hidden health risks to occupants and workers who might disturb these materials during renovations or maintenance.
Internal documents later revealed that W.R. Grace was aware of this contamination but chose to withhold the information from workers and clients. For nearly two decades, buildings in Calgary and beyond were coated with Monokote 5, posing hidden health risks to occupants and workers who might disturb these materials during renovations or maintenance.
The Role of Industrial Hygiene in Managing Legacy Asbestos
Addressing legacy asbestos in Calgary’s buildings requires a proactive approach rooted in industrial hygiene principles. Property owners and managers must identify and manage the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials like Monokote 5. Key steps include:
- Comprehensive Asbestos Surveys and Assessments: Engage certified industrial hygienists to conduct thorough asbestos inspections. This includes sampling fireproofing materials to identify the presence of tremolite and actinolite asbestos.
- Asbestos Management Plans: Develop and implement a robust asbestos management plan that outlines procedures for safely managing and, if necessary, removing asbestos-containing materials. This is particularly crucial in older buildings where Monokote 5 may have been applied.
- Training and Awareness: Ensure that all personnel involved in building maintenance or renovations are trained in asbestos awareness and proper safety procedures to prevent asbestos exposure.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to local and federal regulations regarding asbestos handling, abatement, and disposal. In Calgary, compliance with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines is essential for safe asbestos management.
- Air Monitoring and Clearance Testing: Conduct air monitoring before, during, and after any work involving asbestos-containing materials. Clearance testing should confirm that the area is safe for re-occupancy.
Protecting Calgary’s Future from Past Mistakes
The legacy of asbestos in Monokote 5 serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and safety in building materials. If your property in Calgary was constructed or renovated between the 1970s and 1990s, it may contain hidden asbestos hazards. By partnering with experienced industrial hygienists and following best practices for asbestos management, you can safeguard the health of all building occupants and workers, ensuring that the legacy of asbestos exposure does not continue to impact future generations.
Understanding and managing the risks associated with legacy asbestos, including tremolite and actinolite, is critical for maintaining safe and healthy environments in Calgary’s buildings. Don’t let the hidden dangers of the past threaten the well-being of your community today.
Understanding and managing the risks associated with legacy asbestos, including tremolite and actinolite, is critical for maintaining safe and healthy environments in Calgary’s buildings. Don’t let the hidden dangers of the past threaten the well-being of your community today.