Asbestos was widely used in Canadian construction until 1980. Beginning in 1981, the government introduced regulations to curb its use, leading to a significant decline in asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the years that followed.
Historical Benchmarks
- 1976: A ban was introduced for the use of asbestos in insulation and fireproofing.
- 1981: Restrictions were implemented on crocidolite (blue) asbestos, one of the most toxic forms.
- 1986: The government introduced the Asbestos Products Regulations to further restrict the use of asbestos-containing materials.
- 2007: The Hazardous Products Act and Canada Consumer Product Safety Act were used to prohibit or strictly regulate consumer products made of or containing asbestos.
- 2016: The federal government announced its intention to fully ban asbestos and asbestos-containing products by 2018.
- December 2018: A comprehensive ban on the manufacture, import, sale, and export of asbestos and asbestos-containing products took effect.
Despite of regulation, people were still using asbestos materials in Canada even after 1981, either localy obtained “old stock” , or privately obtained from other sources. Here, at LCS Laboratory, we sometimes find asbestos in relatively “new” houses:
- 1985 Floor Tiles: Recently, we found asbestos in floor tiles from a house built in 1985, likely due to contractors using older stock materials.
- 1990s Popcorn Ceiling: We encountered a possible asbestos case in a popcorn ceiling from the 1990s. However, the building itself was older, raising questions about the source of the asbestos.
- 1992 Building, came positive for asbestos. This is the latest documented case we have.
While the final asbestos ban in Canada came into effect in 2018, these findings highlight the importance of testing, even in homes built well after 1981.
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What to Expect
- Comprehensive Testing: Send us your samples, and our experts will conduct a thorough analysis to detect any asbestos presence.
- Detailed Reporting: You’ll receive a formal, easy-to-read report outlining our findings.
- Transparent Pricing: Check out our price list to understand costs upfront.
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Don’t take chances with asbestos. Order your test now, and let LCS Laboratory Inc. provide the reliable results you need. Read our FAQ section to view an example report or reach out to discuss your project ©
One Response
We just had our stippled ceiling tested with LCS and it came back positive for asbestos–our home was constructed in 1992 as part of a large residential development in Ontario. Year of construction does not appear to be a reliable indicator in determining the presence of asbestos.