Homes tested for asbestos in propane blast aftermath

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Asbestos tests conducted over the weekend inside 12 homes near the Sunrise propane explosions a week ago have failed to find any significant build-up of the hazardous material. But the city-run cleanup of the neighbourhood will continue through the week according to Toronto’s acting deputy mayor Shelley Carroll.

“It is safe, but this has been the hardest thing to understand. We’re doing this because long-term exposure to any asbestos is bad,” said Carroll in an interview Monday. “That it’s taking us a week or so to get it done is not a danger given that every test for levels has been well below any so-called hazardous standard. They’ve done some testing inside houses and the levels are at or well below what you normally expect to find in the atmosphere.”

Ultimately, the city hopes to test 50 homes throughout the area and slightly beyond the area affected by the Ministry of the Environment cleanup order. In order to test for asbestos, workers seal off the house and take a leaf-blower inside, to stir up as much dust – and potential asbestos – as possible.

The testing in a dozen homes came as the city and its contractors came in to clean up asbestos and other debris that was spread by the explosion.

The city took over the cleanup after Sunrise failed to comply with a Ministry of the Environment order to do the work itself. It will be a long process, and likely cost more than $1 million by the time it’s done said Carroll. About 120 workers specializing in hazardous materials got started Saturday afternoon, concentrating first on properties near Murray and Plewes roads and fanned out from there.

So far, the city has completed cleanup of 128 homes most affected by the blast - along Plewes, Katherine Road and Spalding Road between Murray Road and Garratt Boulevard, and Spalding and Katherine all the way east to Ancaster Road.

The city is asking for co-operation from homeowners. The cleanup of a property takes about eight hours, and during that time residents should either stay indoors with windows closed, or leave for the duration of the job.

And before the teams show up?

“We’ve been telling people, don’t cut your lawn,” said Carroll. “We’re inspecting, mowing and taking away the grass clippings as hazardous waste. So when we’re done, it looks like Pleasantville.”

In the meantime, Carroll said residents shouldn’t panic at the sight of the cleanup crews wearing full hazmat suits. The workers wear the suits because of regular long-term exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials in the course of their work.

“It’s been visually hard for people to understand (that most houses are safe),” said Carroll. “If you’re in the business of asbestos removal you suit up because you’re going to be in close contact with the stuff every day. (But when workers arrived) it was like a scene from E.T. for them. You know, I’m in my house and people are coming to my door in these suits. It’s an oh-my-God moment.”

The city will likely hold a briefing mid-week, when there is a better sense as to how long the cleanup will take.

In the meantime, the city will attempt to give homeowners 24 hours notice before their properties are cleaned up. Residents who have any questions or health concerns related to the cleanup of the debris should contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.