For many Americans traveling north means hitting the pause button on time without actually leaving the continent. Canadian cities are known for having old-school neighborhoods where European-style cobblestone streets combine with the gritty, industrial feel of the north.
Many districts attract thousands of Americans to come spend a night in a “heritage” hotel or a loft with a rustic, converted look. There’s a certain charm that comes with spending a night in a structure over a hundred years old, but travelers, especially military veterans with a history of occupation service, have to be a little more careful when exploring certain areas in Canada.
The Industrial Lofts of Gastown, Vancouver
In Vancouver, Gastown district is a go-to destination for tourists who are into that urban-industrial look. It’s known for the bricks that line the streets, the steam clock, and a number of converted warehouses that are now high-end Airbnb properties. However, it’s important not to ignore the danger lurking in the background: Asbestos, a type of chemical compound found in very old properties.
Asbestos was extensively used in construction from the 1930s to 1980s. Quite a number of military veterans were exposed to asbestos on ships or in military barracks, which means that their lungs might already be compromised. This is where being mindful of your surroundings becomes critical, especially when exploring old buildings.
The problem is that even inhaling airborne contaminants in old buildings can trigger serious latent conditions, including epithelial mesothelioma, a serious cell type disease caused by asbestos exposure and affecting the pleural lining. While this specific type of mesothelioma is more responsive to treatment, it’s vital to protect your lungs from further inflammation to ensure long-term survival. That’s why it makes sense to be careful when exploring old heritage sites in Canada.
Toronto’s Victorian Cabbagetown
In Toronto, areas such as Cabbagetown and The Annex are popular for huge old Victorian homes, which were later transformed into adorable B&B rooms for tourists. These structures are true works of architectural art, complete with high baseboards and ornate moldings, but sometimes, these structures conceal a serious problem that used to be extremely common, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries: lead paint.
This problem is hidden in the high-friction areas, such as wooden window frames from that era. When a heavy old-fashioned window is closed, the high friction converts the old lead paint into a fine powder, which settles on the sill and floor, ready to be inhaled and cause severe irritation. To avoid dealing with this risk when staying at these Victorian-era accommodations, follow these easy preventative steps:
- Flush the pipes: Open your faucet for a minimum of two minutes daily before use, especially before making coffee, to flush out stale water from your pipes.
- Use cold water: This is because hot water is capable of pulling more lead from old pipes compared to cold water.
- Avoid paint dust: Be careful not to expose yourself to pain that’s peeling around the windows and doors.
Endnote
Exploring historical neighborhoods in Canada is definitely a great way to learn about the past, but it shouldn’t interfere with your future health. The best way to make smart decisions that keep you protected is to stay on top of travel hazards in your selected area. Remember, taking a few simple precautions allows you to enjoy the architectural beauty of heritage sites in Canada while keeping you safe and healthy.
