Joseph Howe Manor Results Show Seniors' Apartments Safe

NOTE: A fact sheet on asbestos from the medical officer of health follows this release.

Lab results have proven that asbestos found in Joseph Howe Manor in Halifax does not pose a problem for residents. The Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority notified residents today, July 11, that no asbestos was found in any dust samples taken from the senior citizens' apartments.

Last week the housing authority identified asbestos in some building materials used to construct the 175-unit building in the mid 1970s. The asbestos is contained within the drywall joint filler compound and in the plaster stucco ceilings.

A small amount of chrysotile asbestos fibres was found in stucco residue taken from above the elevator doors, likely as a result of repair work. The residue is not airborne and therefore not breathable.

Kim Strong, president of Maritime Testing Ltd., an environmental consulting firm that has been conducting the tests, recommends vacuuming the residue with a high-powered HEPA filter vacuum cleaner as the most effective way of eliminating this residue.

Environmental health experts advise that repairs or renovations should always be done by a qualified person with training in asbestos management to avoid dust generation.

The Department of Community Services directed the seven provincial housing authorities to adopt a code of practice for managing asbestos in buildings which says that when asbestos containing materials are found, staff, building occupants and contractors must be informed as soon as possible.

"Asbestos poses health risks only when fibres are present in the air that people breathe, said Dr. Robert Strang, medical officer of health with the Department of Health. "Results from the dust samples taken show that there is no airborne asbestos at Joe Howe Manor. That means there is no risk to the health of residents or staff."

"I hope residents will feel reassured that the tests confirmed no asbestos fibres were found in any apartments," said Pat Lawrence, director of the Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority.

Dr. Strang said it is important to note that the asbestos was found during a planned inspection of the apartment building and not as a result of a health complaint.

Knowledge in the industry has evolved. Much more is now known about asbestos today than even a couple of years ago. "Asbestos was widely used in building construction materials from the 1940s to the 1970s, so it's quite common to find it many homes or buildings throughout North America, said Mr. Strong. "The industry acknowledges that unless these materials are disturbed they don't cause a problem," he said.

Asbestos poses more of a problem when it shows up in loose material, such as insulation, rather than when used with a binding agent, such as in plaster.

"It is important for residents to feel safe in their homes," said Ms. Lawrence. "Residents of Joe Howe Manor have our guarantee that the ongoing maintenance program will ensure asbestos does not become a problem in this building."

Note: A fact sheet on Joseph Howe Manor follows.

• Asbestos has been found in ceiling stucco and in drywall joint compound throughout the building. This is not a surprise as asbestos was used commonly in building construction from the 1940s to the late 1970s. When properly managed these materials are not cause for any concern.

• Asbestos poses health risks only when fibres are present in the air that people breathe. When inhaled in significant quantities, asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs which makes breathing difficult), mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity) and lung cancer.

• Smoking, combined with inhaled asbestos, greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.

• Tests on dust samples taken show that there has been no airborne asbestos fibers at Joe Howe Manor. That means there has been no exposure to asbestos fibres and no risk to the health of residents or staff.

• Under normal conditions of day-to-day usage, the asbestos-containing materials do not pose risk to occupants, as they are not releasing dust. They can pose risk only if they are damaged and broken down into breathable dust. In addition, both materials are covered in layers of paint that prevent routine contact with the asbestos.

• Action needed on the part of tenants is minimal and includes:

• Avoid causing physical damage to wall and ceiling surfaces. Hanging pictures on walls does not pose any risk.

• Advise building maintenance personnel promptly if any significant damage should occur (for example, if the ceiling stucco is gouged during movement of items in the apartment and material falls onto the floor.)

• Do not clean up any fallen ceiling material originating from damage. Building maintenance has vacuum cleaners that are equipped to collect the dust.