(NC) Home renovations, maintenance and repair have the potential to release a lot more than your creative and constructive side. They may also release asbestos, a substance that can cause cancer and other illnesses.

Did you know that homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos, which was used for a variety of purposes, including insulating buildings and homes against cold weather and noise?

The Government of Canada is moving forward with a ban on the use of asbestos, but asbestos has been used in the past in a variety of products you may find around your home. This includes material insulation around hot water tanks and pipes, heat ducts, roofing shingles, house siding, floor tiles, acoustical ceiling tiles and plaster. If your house has vermiculite insulation, it is reasonable to assume that it may contain asbestos.

Asbestos fibres in the air people breathe can pose a serious health risk. You can be exposed if a product containing asbestos is disturbed during home renovations, repairs or maintenance, demolitions, or if you have previously damaged building materials. As long as asbestos-containing materials are tightly bound in products and in good condition, sealed behind walls and floorboards or isolated in an attic, and left undisturbed, there are no significant health risks.

If you suspect you have asbestos in your home, you should never disturb or try to remove it yourself.

Before embarking on any kind of home renovation, repair or demolition project, consider contacting a qualified asbestos removal professional. Doing so will protect your health and that of your family.

If you're not planning any renovations, repairs or demolitions, and the product containing asbestos is in good condition, i.e., it is not damaged in any way, or it is sealed behind walls or floorboards, it should be left alone.

For more information, visit Canada.ca/health

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