Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 22/02) - If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, think twice before you embark on any major renovations.

The work you do could release harmful asbestos fibres.

While the NWT and Nunavut Workers' Compensation Board and territorial Public Works and Services keep track of asbestos in the workplace, in your home you are on your own.

"We keep a list of buildings that have asbestos, kind of an inventory," said Public Works deputy minister Bruce Rattray. "We've spent a fair bit of time over the last couple of years trying to get a handle on it."

Rattray said the government developed an inventory after renovations ran into delays when asbestos was found.

During renovation of buildings containing asbestos, fibres are likely dispersed into the air, where they can be inhaled. The WCB is responsible for ensuring work places, including renovation sites, are free of such hazards as asbestos. It was the lead agency on the remediation methods used at Rock Ridge Apartments and Simpson House.

According to a spokesperson, the health department has made no attempt to identify residential buildings that are likely to contain asbestos. It has also made no attempt to communicate the dangers of asbestos to the public.