Canadian Environmental Firm Says “Leave Asbestos Alone"

December 21, 2006 - A Nova Scotia Environmental Firm that’s been investigating the presence of asbestos in two provincial public housing developments has told the local government that any asbestos in the homes should be “left alone.”

The Chronicle Herald reports that Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental Ltd. says the asbestos — which has been sealed off in the attics of units in Whitney Pier and Ashby Terraces — should be monitored but left undisturbed unless major renovation projects are necessary.

Earlier this year, the Cape Breton Housing Authority discovered asbestos in both developments, used as insulation in the attics of several units.  The attics were sealed and air-monitoring tests determine that risks were minimal.

Dr. Ann Roberts, the regional medical officer of health, told the Chronicle Herald that it takes long-term exposure to high levels of asbestos to cause any illness.

Pinchin LeBlanc noted that it’s a standard industry approach to leave vermiculite insulation with asbestos untouched.

"The residents are as safe today with a good asbestos management plan as they would be if the insulation was removed," Ron LeBlanc, company president, said in a release.

The asbestos monitoring program will probably cost $44,000-$88,000 annually, but total abatement could cost up to a half-million dollars, provincial government officials noted.  

Tenants at the housing complexes were relieved and agreed with the decision.  "I think it’s better left alone," said Juanita McKenzie, who chaired a committee of concerned residents. "I think they’re definitely deciding to err on the side of caution here.

"I think they learned by their mistakes not to screw around with something like that, especially when people’s lives are at stake . . . I think there’s more harm in people smoking than what we’re put at risk to in our apartments."