Français
Asbestos is no longer being actively mined, manufactured, sold, or installed in Edmonton. The mineral was federally banned in 2018 across Canada due to the health risks associated with exposure. As a result, there continue to be widespread efforts from the government (at all levels) and other private organizations designed to draw awareness toward modern applications of asbestos that require asbestos removal in Edmonton. Investing in professional asbestos removal costs for everything from asbestos popcorn ceiling abatement to vermiculite asbestos removal can help make your home or businesses safer.
Despite the ban, asbestos can still be found in older properties and building materials. Here are some of the ways you can still encounter asbestos-containing materials in Edmonton.
Materials That Still Use Asbestos
Although no new products in Canada are legally allowed to contain asbestos, many older materials remain in place within buildings that were constructed before the early 1990s. The reason asbestos was so heavily used in the first place was due to its natural resistance to fire, chemicals, and heat. It was also cheap and highly durable. These qualities made it attractive for many applications in the construction industry.
Some of the most common asbestos-containing materials you might encounter in Edmonton include:
- Drywall/Gypsum Board: Joint compounds and taping muds often included asbestos fibers to improve strength and fire resistance.
- Stucco/Popcorn Ceiling: Textured finishes were commonly mixed with asbestos for durability and to prevent cracking.
- Furnaces: Older furnace insulation blankets and gaskets were often lined with asbestos to contain heat.
- Water Heaters: Similar to furnaces, asbestos was used to insulate around older tanks and their connected plumbing.
- Duct and Pipe Wrap: Duct tape and pipe insulation in basements were used to increase heat resistance and insulate. Duct or pipe wrap can still be found in buildings constructed or renovated around 1985.
Why Isn't All Asbestos Gone?
While the 2018 ban put a stop to future production and use, it did not require the immediate removal of existing asbestos materials from homes or buildings. Because asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed and airborne, many property owners have chosen to leave it in place until renovations or damage force removal.
Removing asbestos requires trained professionals, proper containment, and disposal protocols. Proactively removing asbestos-containing materials requires the right approach, or it can pose a more substantial risk than it would have been in place. In situations where you're undergoing major upgrades or demolitions, asbestos removal in Edmonton can be factored into plans and expenses by actively scheduling an inspection for an asbestos removal cost estimate.
What Happens If You Use Asbestos in New Construction?
Using asbestos in new construction projects is a breach of federal law in Canada. If discovered, it could result in significant fines, work stoppages, and legal consequences for both contractors, developers, and property owners. Since the ban on asbestos, new building materials are required to be asbestos-free. Suppliers must ensure that imported goods meet Canada's safety regulations. However, it is still possible that issues may still arise with secondhand or reclaimed materials, or in rare cases, with imported items from countries that still use asbestos.
To avoid this risk, contractors and builders in Edmonton should work with trusted suppliers and request documentation certifying that materials are free of asbestos. If you suspect a material may contain asbestos, it's better to be safe than sorry – contact the Canada's Restoration Services team.
Are All Instances of Asbestos in Edmonton a Health Risk?
Asbestos is only an imminent risk when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. This usually happens during renovations, damage, or natural deterioration of materials. Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing materials may not pose an immediate threat. Even still, the presence of asbestos maintains a long-term, even worsening, risk.
Homeowners and business owners should always consult professionals about asbestos inspections before starting demolition or remodeling projects. Certified and insured experts can assess whether asbestos is present and whether it needs to be removed or simply monitored.
Manage Asbestos Safely with Removal Experts in Edmonton
The safest way to handle asbestos in your property is with experienced abatement specialists at Canada's Restoration Services. As a trusted local company that specializes in asbestos removal in Edmonton, we are equipped with industry-grade tools and wear proper protective equipment, minimizing the chance of cross-contamination and facilitating a safer environment.
Our professionals follow strict protocols, including sealing off work areas, using HEPA filtration, wetting down materials to reduce dust, and safely disposing of waste. Whether you need complete asbestos abatement or vermiculite asbestos removal, trust Canada's Restoration Services.