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Asbestos is one thing every homeowner should be aware of. It’s highly heat-resistant and was commonly used for insulation before it was discovered to pose a severe health risk for those breathing in the asbestos fibre. Since then, asbestos removal in Toronto, as well as the regulations around it, have become necessary. This has prompted the Ontario government to enact legislation around the prompt but safe removal and disposal of asbestos. Restoration companies in Toronto, like Canada's Restoration Services, specialize in the safe and effective removal of asbestos from your home.
Asbestos’s History in Ontario
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In the 20th century, asbestos was very commonly used in North American homes for insulation. However, since 1980, studies have shown that it can cause serious health issues for those who breathe in asbestos fibres, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. In order to protect public health, the federal and provincial governments enacted regulations to prevent building with asbestos, encouraging the safe removal of it and outlining proper disposal. Ontario’s asbestos regulation, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1990, defines asbestos and asbestos-containing materials under the law and explains the consequences of improper care.
Asbestos Classification System in Ontario
Ontario's O. Reg. 278/05 classifies asbestos work into three strict operations based on risk level: type 1 (low risk), type 2 (medium risk), and type 3 (high risk). These classifications inform how asbestos abatement contractors approach the removal process to minimize risk.
- Type 1 (Low Risk): Type 1 work usually involves small-scale asbestos handling where the material is non-friable and less likely to release fibres when handled carefully. This may include removing less than 1 square foot of drywall joint compound or working with non-friable asbestos materials using hand tools. The abatement process is typically more limited, but workers still need to control dust, avoid unnecessary disturbance, and dispose of materials properly.
- Type 2 (Medium Risk): Type 2 work involves a higher chance of asbestos fibres becoming airborne. This can include removing larger amounts of non-friable material or disturbing a small amount of friable material. The abatement process usually requires more controlled work areas, specific PPE, proper waste handling, and enclosure or isolation procedures to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Type 3 (High Risk): Type 3 work applies to high-risk asbestos materials, especially friable asbestos such as vermiculite insulation, sprayed fireproofing, or pipe wrap over certain quantities. This level of asbestos abatement requires full containment, negative air pressure systems, HEPA filtration, worker decontamination procedures, and strict removal protocols. Because the risk of airborne fibre release is much greater, Type 3 work must be handled with the highest level of protection and oversight.
When asbestos is identified on your property, your restoration team, Canada’s Restoration Services, will determine the scope of work and abatement plan based on the category and concentration of asbestos on your property. This can entail the containment requirements, the methods of removal, who is allowed on-site, and other factors to ensure safe, effective, and compliant asbestos removal.
Asbestos Disclosure in Real Estate Law
While there is no law forcing Ontario property owners to test for asbestos before selling, the failure to disclose known instances of asbestos-containing materials on the Property Information Statement (SPIS) can result in lawsuits for hidden latent defects and disruption of the sale. Investing in an asbestos inspection in Toronto for properties built between the 1960s and the 1990s is a smart preventative measure as these properties were constructed during the time when asbestos was widely used in key building materials. If asbestos is found, investing in professional asbestos removal with Canada’s Restoration Services can help offset future expenses that could set back your progress.
Common types of asbestos removal needed ahead of a real estate transaction include:
- Asbestos pipe wrap
- Asbestos duct wrap
- Vermiculite attic insulation
- Drywall, popcorn ceiling, and gypsum board
Disposal Related Laws
In Ontario, the disposal of asbestos waste is governed by Regulation 347, General—Waste Management, made under the Environmental Protection Act. It covers any waste that potentially carries asbestos fibres and highlights public safety concerns in the disposal of asbestos. Since asbestos can cause the most damage to those who breathe it in, the laws around its disposal focus on preventing the disruption of these asbestos fibres so they don’t float into the air; even outdoors, these fibres can pose a serious risk to anyone who inhales them, and if left unattended, they can disperse and become a public health hazard in the area.
Building Owner Laws
Unfortunately, because asbestos is nearly impossible to detect without professional equipment, there are many older buildings that still contain asbestos. Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act specifically highlights how to identify, report and remove asbestos in your building. It is the responsibility of the building owner to properly handle asbestos within their property, which includes bringing in a qualified professional to assess the situation. Canada's Restoration Services can provide the expertise necessary to evaluate asbestos and properly remove it without disrupting the fibres and releasing them into the air. Since asbestos fibres pose a public health hazard, any failure to comply with all local, provincial and federal regulations will leave the building owner liable.
Importance of Professional Asbestos Removal
Properly adhering to all local regulations regarding asbestos removal in Toronto is crucial because improper disposal can constitute a public health threat. However, it can be daunting for the average homeowner to purchase all the necessary equipment and educate themselves on all the nuances of proper removal and disposal. That’s where professional restoration companies in Toronto, like Canada's Restoration Services, come in. They can help you navigate the ins and outs of all local regulations so that you avoid liability and know that your asbestos is being removed safely.
Avoid Asbestos Liability with Canada’s Restoration Services
If you suspect asbestos in your building, don’t wait, as that heightens the potential health risks. The longer you take to properly deal with asbestos, the higher health risk you are imposing on those inside the building, which is why the Ontario government insists on prompt action. Contact Canada's Restoration Services today for a professional assessment, safe removal and proper disposal of all asbestos and asbestos-containing materials. For the most up-to-date information on asbestos policies in Ontario, be sure to reference the latest updates on the Ontario government’s website.