Information About Asbestos in Homes and Commercial Buildings
What it is. Why it matters. How to stay safe.
Built for Systems. Grounded in Purpose.
Asbestos is a known health hazard found in thousands of homes and buildings across Metro Vancouver—especially those built before 1990. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation or a contractor preparing for demolition, understanding how asbestos shows up, how to test for it, and how to manage removal is essential.
This page outlines what asbestos is, why it’s dangerous, where it might be hiding, and what steps to take if you suspect it’s present in your building.
Progressive Environmental offers certified asbestos testing, full abatement services, and safety guidance so you can move forward with confidence.
If you think asbestos may be present, do not touch it. Call a certified asbestos contractor.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone working in or around older buildings may be exposed to airborne asbestos. That includes:
- Renovation and demolition contractors
- Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers
- Real estate agents, home inspectors, and insurance adjusters
- Building owners, tenants, and property managers
Without testing, exposure often happens unknowingly. Don’t guess. Start with asbestos testing.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure doesn’t affect health right away. It can take years for symptoms to appear. But the long-term impact can be severe. Risks include:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Pleural thickening
Smokers exposed to asbestos have an even higher risk of developing related illnesses.
How Exposure Happens
As asbestos materials age or are disturbed—by drilling, cutting, tearing out walls or ceilings—the fibers break down into particles too small to see. These can be inhaled without notice, especially during:
- Demolition
- Renovation
- HVAC or electrical work
- Removing insulation or drywall
If your building was constructed before 1990, you need certified asbestos testing before starting any of these activities.
How to Reduce the Risk
The most effective way to eliminate the hazard is to identify and remove the asbestos before any work begins. Here’s how:
1. Test Suspect Materials
Hire a certified asbestos consultant to collect and test materials in your home or building. Testing is affordable and provides the certificate you need to dispose of waste properly or plan for safe abatement.
2. Remove Asbestos Safely
If asbestos is found, WorkSafeBC requires the use of licensed abatement contractors. Progressive Environmental provides both testing and certified removal.
3. Follow Legal Requirements
All asbestos removal requires:
- A Notice of Project filed with WorkSafeBC
- Certified air clearance before work resumes
- Safe disposal procedures
- A certificate of analysis from an accredited lab (within 30 days)
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
You cannot tell if a product contains asbestos by sight alone. Materials that may contain asbestos include:
- Blown-in insulation (vermiculite)
- Acoustic ceiling tiles
- Drywall tape and mud
- Vinyl flooring and linoleum
- Stucco
- Roofing felt and shingles
- Cement pipe and sheeting
Disposal and Landfill Requirements
The City of Vancouver Landfill accepts asbestos waste from Metro Vancouver municipalities only. The Transfer Station does not.
To dispose of asbestos-containing materials, you must:
- Have a certificate of analysis from an accredited lab dated within 30 days
- Include analyst name, asbestos content, testing method, and contact details
- Transport the materials properly contained and labeled
- Follow landfill-specific hours and prep instructions
If your test shows the material does not contain asbestos, it may be disposed of as regular garbage—at a lower cost.
Need Help? Start Here
We provide full support from testing to removal. Whether you’re managing a renovation, demolition, or commercial retrofit, Progressive Environmental can help you move forward with clarity and compliance.
