No. The only way to find out if a material contains asbestos is to have a sample tested at a qualified laboratory.

What is the likelihood that asbestos is present in my child’s school?

Any building constructed before the mid-1990s is likely to have asbestos present in some of the building materials. Buildings constructed before the 1980s would have a greater number of asbestos materials. This applies to schools, hospitals, office buildings, industrial buildings and homes.

Do I have to get the materials in my house tested professionally?

Yes. There are some materials that are known to contain asbestos (see “What materials contain asbestos?” above). However, these materials are also available in forms that do not contain asbestos. The list of materials that may contain asbestos is quite extensive and the only way to rule out the presence of asbestos is to have the material tested.

What rooms in my home are most likely to contain asbestos?

Every room in your house has the potential to have asbestos-containing materials in it. Before 1990, asbestos was used in flooring products, wall and ceiling materials, loose fill attic insulations, electrical components, mechanical insulations, glues and adhesives, exterior cladding and roofing materials.

No. Without proper training, equipment and procedures, attempting to remove materials that contain asbestos can very quickly put everyone in the home or building at risk.

The proper respirator, if fit tested and worn correctly, can protect an individual, but it will not prevent the hazardous asbestos fibres from becoming airborne and potentially contaminating other areas of the home or building.

It is extremely important that only trained and qualified individuals perform an asbestos abatement. Without using the proper equipment and procedures to control the spread of the hazardous airborne fibres during the removal process, everyone in the home or building is at risk.

How do I find a qualified laboratory?

Finding a qualified laboratory or consultant can be challenging. Here are a few ways to help you choose:

1. Referrals

Contact your local architectural, engineering, and/or environmental health and safety consulting firms and ask for recommendations. These firms often retain consultants and laboratories to collect samples and perform analysis. In many instances, your local environmental health and safety consulting firms will come to your home and test for asbestos and will submit the samples to a qualified laboratory.

2. Laboratory accreditations

Confirm that the laboratory and/or the analysts themselves are enrolled in some form of accreditation program specifically for asbestos analysis. Examples of common recognized laboratory accreditation programs include:

• AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association)
• NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program)
• CALA (Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation)

3. Liability insurance

Just like with contractors, liability insurance is important for consultants. Most architects, engineers and consultants carry Errors and Omissions Insurance, and just like with contractors, many of these policies will have a pollution exclusion clause. When hiring a consultant to conduct asbestos testing, it is a good idea to confirm that they have coverage specific to asbestos.

Are asbestos-containing materials with a small volume of asbestos ok?

It is not the concentration (or volume) of asbestos in a material that makes it safe or hazardous. The condition of the material and physical characteristics are what matters. Because exposure to asbestos may cause respiratory disease, the concern comes from how easy it is to inhale the material once airborne. The easier a material can be crumbled into a dust-like condition, the easier it can become airborne (and potentially inhaled) if disturbed.

How do I select a qualified contractor?

Selecting a qualified contractor for asbestos removal is an important step to have asbestos safely removed from your home. We recommend asking a potential contractor to provide you with the following:

1. Proof of training

A good training program is a start in the right direction. Qualified contractors will be able to provide copies of training records and certificates for each of their employees that will be doing the work.

2. Respirator management program

Ask for copies of the contractor’s respirator management program and respirator fit testing records for each of the employees that will be doing the work. Reputable contractors will ensure that their training records are current and up to date.

3. WCB clearance certificates

Contractors who are awarded contracts for construction projects are routinely asked to provide WCB clearance certificates before starting work on commercial projects. A reputable contractor will have no problem providing this documentation.

4. Liability insurance

Most contractors carry liability insurance. Many policies carry a pollution exclusion clause that states they have no coverage for asbestos-related claims. Ask them for confirmation of asbestos liability insurance.

5. Referrals

Contact a local architectural, engineering and/or environmental health and safety consulting firm and ask them if they could refer you to a reputable contractor.

6. References

Ask for previous project references showing similar work.