Question 1

Does my Ontario home have asbestos?

Accepted Answer

If your Ontario home was built before 1990, there is a high probability that at least some asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are present. Homes built before 1980 commonly contain multiple ACM types: stipple (popcorn) ceilings, vinyl floor tiles and their adhesive, pipe and duct wrap insulation, drywall joint compound, and potentially vermiculite attic insulation. Homes from the 1980s may have asbestos in roofing and exterior cement board. There is no reliable way to identify asbestos by appearance — laboratory PLM analysis of a bulk sample is the only confirmation. Our inspectors identify all suspect materials during the site visit and collect samples under proper containment procedures.

Question 2

Is asbestos dangerous in a Ontario home?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos fibres are hazardous when they become airborne and are inhaled — a process called friability. Intact, undamaged ACM that is not being disturbed poses minimal ongoing risk and is generally acceptable to leave in place with monitoring. The danger arises during renovation: sanding stipple ceilings, cutting vinyl tile, demolishing drywall, or disturbing pipe wrap releases microscopic chrysotile or amphibole fibres that cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis with long-term exposure. Ontario's O.Reg 278/05 exists precisely to control this risk. Testing before any renovation in a pre-1990 Ontario home is essential, legally required for commercial work, and strongly advisable for residential projects.

Question 3

What is O.Reg 278/05 and does it apply in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Ontario Regulation 278/05 (Designated Substance — Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations) is the provincial regulation governing all asbestos-related work in Ontario, including Ontario. It applies to any construction project where asbestos may be disturbed. O.Reg 278/05 requires: a written asbestos survey or Type 1/2/3 classification before disturbance; specific worker training; designated control methods based on asbestos type and quantity; and disposal procedures. Non-compliance exposes owners, contractors, and project managers to Ministry of Labour stop-work orders, significant fines under OHSA, and potential personal liability. Our O.Reg 278/05-compliant reports provide the documentation required to proceed lawfully.

Question 4

How much does asbestos testing cost in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos testing in Ontario starts from $299, which includes the on-site inspection, identification of suspect materials, bulk sample collection under proper containment procedures, and PLM accredited lab analysis. Properties with multiple suspect materials — common in pre-1980 Ontario homes with stipple ceilings, vinyl tile, and pipe wrap — may require additional samples, with each additional material tested at an incremental cost. We provide a scope and fee estimate before booking based on your home's age and the renovation work planned. Rush 24-hour lab processing is available for time-sensitive real estate transactions.

Question 5

How long does asbestos testing take in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

The on-site inspection and bulk sampling in Ontario takes 1–2 hours depending on the number of suspect materials and property size. Samples are submitted to an accredited laboratory immediately after collection. Standard PLM analysis returns results within 3–5 business days. Rush 24-hour laboratory processing is available for time-sensitive real estate transactions or renovation start deadlines — contact us when booking to arrange rush turnaround. Results are delivered in a written report documenting each material's asbestos content, fibre type, and percentage by PLM analysis.

Asbestos Testing Ontario | Certified Inspector | From $299