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The purpose of a Hazardous Materials Audit is to determine the existence
of any hazardous materials and in most cases this includes an investigation for asbestos,
PCB's, SMF's and lead paints.
Any other types of hazardous materials can also be identified at the
client's request.
Normally we undertake a HMA for buildings that are about to be extensively
renovated or demolished. However, we can provide HMA's for any type of
building requested from a small office to large commercial high-rise structures.
If asbestos has already been identified, we would reassess the conditions
of the identified areas along with the examination of other materials.
Information on the common types of Hazardous Materials that
are identified >>
- Asbestos containing materials
We refer you to >> What is Asbestos?.
- Polychlorinated Biphenyl Materials (PCB's)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) are a class of organic compounds.
PCB congeners are
odourless , tasteless , clear to pale-yellow, viscous liquids .
Examples include PCB's being used as coolants
and insulating fluids for transformers and capacitors, stabilizing
additives in flexible PVC
coatings of electrical wiring and electronic components.
The most commonly observed health
effects in people exposed to PCBs are skin conditions such as chloracne
and rashes.
- Synthetic Mineral Fibres
Synthetic Mineral Fibre is a general term used to describe a number
of fibrous materials made from glass, rock, alumina and silica. SMF
have been widely used as alternatives to asbestos in insulation and
fire-rating products and as reinforcement in cement, plaster and plastic
materials.
Short-term exposure can result in: Skin and eye irritation; Upper respiratory
tract irritation
Long-term exposure to SMF has been shown to be associated with a slightly
increased risk of lung cancer.
Other types of hazardous chemicals/gases which can also be identified > >
- Refrigerant Gases
Refrigerant Gases have been used historically in automotive air conditioning
systems. Common refrigerants include R-12, a chloroflurocarbon, which
has been identified as causing damage to the ozone layer, and the hydroflurocarbon
R-134a which is less harmful but contributes to global warming.
Apart from the environmental effects refrigerants play, it is also a
hazard to human health when they are improperly handled or released
into a poorly ventilated area.
The most significant route of overexposure to refrigerant gases is through
inhalation of high concentrations of the gas product. Overexposure may
cause central nervous system depression and oxygen deficiency.
- Effluents
Effluents comprise solid, liquid, or gas wastes which enter the environment
as a by-product of man oriented processes.
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