If you live in an older home or manage a building, you might have dangerous materials hiding around you. Things like asbestos, mold, lead paint, or unknown chemicals can harm your health and damage your property. Knowing when to call a hazardous materials removal company is important. These experts are trained to handle and remove harmful substances safely. In this article, you’ll learn the top five signs that it’s time to bring in the pros.
1. You Notice Unusual Odors or Stains
If you smell something musty, chemical-like, or sharp in a room, don’t ignore it. Strange smells might mean that mold, mildew, or even a chemical leak is present. Brown, black, or green stains on walls or ceilings are other warning signs. These could mean mold or water damage, both of which can expose you to unsafe conditions. A trained removal specialist can find the source and handle the cleanup.
2. You Found Asbestos, Vermiculite, or UFFI During Repairs
Sometimes when repairing old attics, walls, or floors, you might discover odd insulation, loose tiles, or flaky ceiling panels. If you suspect materials like asbestos, vermiculite, or Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI), you may need to pause. These materials are dangerous if disturbed. You need trained experts to test and remove them safely. Never try to handle it yourself with regular tools or vacuum cleaners — that can make the problem worse.
3. There’s Visible Mold Growth in More Than One Area
Small spots of mold in a bathroom may be manageable. But when you see black, green, or fuzzy mold growing in more than one area — especially in places like basements, attics, or around windows — it’s time to call a professional. Mold spreads quickly and can live inside walls or behind cabinets. Experts have the right tools to remove it completely and stop it from coming back.
4. You See Crumbling or Damaged Building Materials
Old pipes, drywall, ceiling panels, or insulation that looks broken or damaged should raise concern. When these materials wear down, they might release lead dust, asbestos fibers, or other harmful particles. Even a small area of damaged insulation can be a health risk. It’s best not to touch or move these things yourself. Contact an expert team that knows how to contain and remove them safely.
5. You Own or Manage a Property Built Before the 1990s
Homes and buildings built before 1990 are more likely to contain harmful substances. Asbestos, UFFI (Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation), and lead paint were widely used before safety rules changed. If your building is from that era and hasn’t been tested or treated, it may need inspection. Don’t wait for a problem to show up—being proactive can help you avoid health hazards and big repair bills later.
What to Do When You Spot a Potential Hazard
Explain the first steps readers should take when they notice signs — like stopping renovation work, avoiding the area, and not touching or cleaning the material themselves.
Close off the area if possible
Block access to the affected area using plastic sheeting or a closed door. This prevents others from entering and helps contain any dust, fibers, or harmful airborne particles.
Turn off HVAC systems to avoid spreading particles
Immediately shut down air conditioning, heating, or ventilation systems. These can pick up and spread toxic particles like asbestos or mold spores throughout the building if left running.
Don’t scrape, wipe, or disturb any visible material
Avoid touching or cleaning the substance, no matter how small it looks. Disturbing it could release invisible toxins into the air, increasing the risk of inhalation or surface contamination.
Call a licensed hazardous material professional for testing
Contact certified experts who can safely assess the material. They’ll take proper samples, run lab tests, and recommend the right steps to remove or manage the hazard safely.
How to Choose the Right Removal Company
Check for Proper Certifications
Make sure the company holds valid certifications like AAS 253S, MTCU, and mold remediation training to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Ask about liability and pollution insurance. A strong policy, like $5 million coverage, protects you from risks during hazardous material cleanup.
Ask About Property Experience
Choose a company familiar with your property type—residential, commercial, or industrial—for better handling of site-specific risks and cleanup needs.
Read Reviews and Ask Questions
Look at client reviews. Ask about project timelines, guarantees, and cleanup practices to know what to expect from start to finish.
Protect Your Space Before It’s Too Late
Knowing when to call a hazardous materials removal company can make a big difference for your health and safety. Whether it’s strange odors, signs of damage, or just the age of your property, it’s always better to act early. A trained team can find the problem, fix it the right way, and give you peace of mind. If you’re looking for trusted professionals in Southwestern Ontario, MSN Environmental is a name you can count on for expert service and reliable results.
