What is asbestos?

The term "asbestos" is used to describe a group of naturally occurring fibrous mineral silicates, which were common building materials between the 1950's and 1980's. Refer to our asbestos abatement section for additional information.

Do you conduct asbestos air sampling?

Yes. NAPP has serveral sets of air sampling equipment that we use to measure the levels of airborne fibere in a work area. An air sampling pump is used to draw air through a cassette to capture airborne asbestos fibres. The cassette is analyzed by an accredited laboratory using a Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM). All fibres meeting the defined criteria for asbestos are counted and considered as a measure of the airborne asbestos concentration at the time of sampling.

There are four types of air samples:

1. Occupational - a cassette and portable air pump is attached to a worker while he is inside an asbestos remediation enclosure and used to measure the fibre concentration that workers are exposed to while they complete ttheir job tasks.
2. Ambient - to be collected daily on certain asbestos remeiation projects when unprotected persons are in close proxmity to the enclosure area. This is to ensure that asbestos fibres are not escaping the work area and putting unportected people at risk of exposure.
3. Clean room - to be collected during high risk remediation projects. A sample is collected from the clean room area of the enclosure utilized by workers. This is to ensure that no fibres are escaping the work area.
4. Clearance - to be collected following certain remediation projects. This measures the aireborne fibre concentration following completion of the work procedures to ensure that the area is clean and safe for use.

Does NAPP analyze asbestos samples?

No. All asbestos samples must be sent to an accredited laboratory to be analyzed by a qualified technician. Refer to our Affiliates section for a list of environmental consulting companies qualified to analyze asbestos samples.

Does NAPP collect hazardous material samples for analysis by a certified labortory?

NAPP will, incertain cases, collect samples on behalf of a client.

I think I have asbestos in my home.  What do I do? 

1. Determine if the material is asbestos containing.  Contact an environmental consultant qualified to conduct asbestos analysis to determin the best method for sampling and submittal.      
2. If the sample is found to contain asbestos , determine the extent and location"s) of the asbestos containing materials.     
3. Contact NAPP's estimator to discuss the cost for removal.  Our staff may conduct a site visit, or request photos of the materials to be removed.   
4. Review the estimate, and if you would like to proceed with the project, contact our office to schedule a start date.

Who do I call to get an asbestos sample analyzed?

Refer to our Affiliates page for a list of environmental consulting companies qulified to analyze asbestos samples.

How much does asbestos removal cost?

It is not possible to provide a set unit cost for asbestos removal.  Each remediation project needs to be assessed and a detailed quote drawyn up based on the requiremnts of the project.  The cost for removal ofasbestos depends on several factors:

1. Type of material - some materials are easier to remove than others.  
2. Quantity - more material will require more time to remove.    
3. Accessibility - if a material is difficult to access it increases the man hours required for removal.  
4. Friability - certain materials are more friable than others, which means that the asbestos fibres may become airborne more easily and increase the potential for inhalation.  More friable materials, such as bermiculite or drywall, require more stringent containment and clean up measures to prevent the dispersal of asbestos fibres.

Are they any grants for removal of asbestos? 

No. The government does not have any programs in place to offset the cost of asbestos removal.

Can I remove asbestos containing materials from my house on my own? 

We do not recommend that homeowners tackle asbestos removal themselves.  Asbestos is a carcinogenic substance and without the proper protective equipment, containment and cleanup measures everyone who inhabits the home is at risk of exposure.

A certified hazardous materials remediation contractor has the insurance, equipment, materials and expertise required to safely rermove, transport and dispose of asbestos containing materials.  NAPP is also able to provide a clearance report following successful removal of the asbestos, which may be important for the sale of your home.

Is vermiculite in my attic asbestos containing?

Most vermiculte is asbestos containing.  If you have vermiculite in your attic it is recommended that you contact a qualified environmental consultant and have a sample tested to confirm the presence of asbestos.

There's only a small amount of vermiculite in my attic.  Does the quantity of vermiculite affect the cost of abatement?

Yes.  A smaller amount of vermiculite will require fewer labourers and less time to remove.  

I am selling my home.  Do I need to remvoe the vermiculite in the attic?

There are no regulations that require home owner's to remove asbestos containing vermiculite from their home prior to selling.  However, the home owner must dislose the presence of any known asbestos containing materials to potential buyers.  It is up to the buyer and seller to negotiate the terms of sale, which may include the removal of the vermiculite or a reduction in the selling price.  

My house used to have a grow-op in it.  What should I do?

Houses with former grow ops are at risk of significant water damage and mold growth. 

1. Contact an environmental consultant qualified to conduct a thorough survey of your home and determine the presence and extent of any fungal damage. 
2. Contact NAPP Enterprises to discuss the cost for removal of fungal contaminated materials.  Our staff may conduct a site visit or request photos to assess the extent of any damage.   
3. Review the estimate, and if you would like to proceed with the project, contact our office to schedule a start date.

Are there PCB's (polychlorinated biphenyls) in my home?  If so, what should I do?  

Light ballasts are the most common source of PCB's in the home.  Refer to the LightRecycle website for additional information on responsibly recycling light products.

I had a bat and/or vermin infestation.  what should I do?

1. Contact a qualified exterminator to address the infestation.
2. Contact NAPP to discuss the cost for remediation of the contaminated area.  Our staff may conduct a site visit or request photos to assess the extent of the damage.

What areas does your company serve?

NAPP has offices in Prince George and Kelowna, which allows us to serve communities throughout British Columbia and the Yukon.