CBC News at 6: Renovating or demolishing? Beware of asbestos, WorkSafeBC warns

WorkSafeBC is stepping up efforts to prevent asbestos exposure — for both workers and homeowners alike.

The agency says homes built in B.C. prior to the 1990s are likely to contain the toxic fireproofing agent in some form, which can be released into the air and inhaled if proper precautions aren't taken.

"We're trying to raise the level of awareness to get [people] to think about asbestos each and every time they do some work, whether it's renovation or demolition," said Al Johnson, vice-president of prevention services at WorkSafeBC.