Asbestos in Canadian Homes built before 1986
Asbestos was used in many construction products until late 1985. Asbestos fibers may become a risk during any type of home renovation or construction activity. The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Ontario Regulation 278-05 governs the asbestos abatement conditions that regulate asbestos testing, removal, and management.
Asbestos-containing materials may be found in:
- Stipple ceilings
- Plaster or mud joint compound
- Cementitious parging – cement or plaster of Paris
- Stucco, caulking, pebble-textured exterior finish
- Pipe wrap, insulation, thermal paper
- Roof bitumen and fire proofing
- Adhesives, glues, mastics
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Old boilers, water tanks, and radiators
For a more complete list of materials that may contain asbestos, please refer to this page.
The homeowner or building manager is responsible to determine what designated substances are in their home prior to construction or renovation for risks of exposure to workers and family.
Commercial buildings, rentals, and retail businesses must have testing and an asbestos management plan to comply with the government’s asbestos regulations.
Three common older home designated substances:
- Lead paint and solder, piping, and switches
- Asbestos in construction materials
- Silica in plaster, wall board, cement, parging, and grout
Before you renovate, demolish, sell, our purchase a house, call IAQ Canada for a hazardous substance inspection!
Protect yourself – identify, defend, then decontaminate!
Designated Substance Surveys
IAQ Canada can perform all your pre-purchase or pre-renovation demolition needs including full Designated Substance Surveys for rooms or the entire building.
Lead, asbestos, silica, mercury, or PCB assessments before you start your construction projects. Our inspector, Shawn Rankin, has 35 years of construction management experience and has been awarded the CMHC “Healthy Home Builder” and “Healthy Home Renovator” in 1999.
