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Asbestos is a naturally occurring material once used widely in the construction industry. Its strength, ability to withstand high temperatures, and resistance to many chemicals made it useful in hundreds of applications.

But asbestos can also kill. When inhaled, asbestos has been shown to cause the following diseases

• Asbestosis
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest and/or abdomen).

The early widespread use of asbestos has left a potentially dangerous legacy. Many older buildings have asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in various forms and in various states or conditions that can cause exposure to workers or occupants.

The improper handling of asbestos-containing products can release harmful amounts of asbestos fibre into the air.

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Moulds are microorganisms that produce thousands of tiny particles called spores as part of their reproductive cycle. Mould colonies are usually visible as colourful, woolly growths. They can be virtually any colour—red, blue, brown, green, white, or black. When disturbed by air movement or handling, moulds release their spores into the air.

In buildings with water damage or ongoing moisture problems, certain types of “water-loving” moulds may reproduce to higher than normal levels and potentially cause adverse health effects.

• Exposure to toxic moulds may irritate skin, eyes, nose, and throat, resulting in allergy-like symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
• Symptoms such as fatigue and headache have been reported.
• People who are allergic to moulds could experience asthmatic attacks.

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Exposure to lead is most common among plumbers, welders, painters, and demolition workers. You’re most at risk when there’s lead dust, fume, or vapour in the air. For instance, in the following situations:

• Applying or removing paints containing lead
• Renovating, demolishing, and doing other work on structures or material containing lead

Lead gets into your body mainly through

• Inhalation (i.e., breathing in dusts, mists, and fumes)
• Ingestion (i.e., eating, drinking, smoking, biting nails, etc., without first washing your hands and face).

Symptoms of overexposure to lead include

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Irritability

Lead is a designated substance under Ontario law. It requires special precautions and handling procedures. Your employer must inform you about any lead on a jobsite.

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