Asbestos in Older Toronto Homes: What You Need to Know Before Renovating

Abstract: 

Toronto’s vibrant neighbourhoods are home to thousands of older properties built before the 1990s, a period when asbestos was widely used in construction. As renovation projects surge across the GTA, many homeowners and contractors unknowingly risk disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), which can lead to serious health hazards, legal penalties, and costly project delays. 

This in-depth guide explores where asbestos hides, why it’s dangerous, and the legal responsibilities facing Toronto property owners and renovators. It offers a detailed walkthrough of Ontario’s regulations, the dangers of DIY removal, and Go Pro Restoration Toronto’s six-step certified asbestos removal process, which includes professional testing, safe abatement, final air clearance, and eco-conscious restoration. We also highlight high-risk neighbourhoods, provide a thorough pre-renovation checklist, and explain how to navigate projects confidently with full compliance. 

Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or property investor, this guide delivers the clarity, expertise, and practical tools you need to renovate safely, without compromising health, timelines, or compliance requirements. 

A Growing Risk Amidst a Renovation Boom 

As Toronto continues to modernize, homeowners and contractors are actively renovating mid-century houses across neighbourhoods such as High Park, East York, the Annex, and Leaside. However, many of these renovations begin without awareness of one critical factor – asbestos. 

Before the health risks were widely disclosed, asbestos was prized for its affordability, strength, and resistance to heat and fire. Its versatility made it a go-to material for builders and manufacturers across residential and commercial construction projects. Common in homes built before 1986, asbestos was used in materials for insulation, fireproofing, and durability. When disturbed during renovations, these materials can release hazardous fibres into the air, putting residents, workers, and even neighbours at risk. Unplanned exposure can derail projects, incur fines, and lead to serious health consequences. 

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals with microscopic fibres known for their heat resistance and strength. These properties led to widespread use in residential construction across Canada throughout much of the 20th century. 

Although banned in new construction, asbestos continues to haunt many mid-century homes across the GTA. Often hidden behind walls, under floors, or in insulation, this fibrous mineral becomes highly dangerous when disturbed, turning routine renovations into a potential health crisis. Understanding what asbestos is, why it was used, and the significant risks it poses today is critical for any property owner or contractor working in older Toronto homes. 

Many are unaware of this fact: Asbestos is not a single substance but a term for six naturally occurring silicate minerals known for their fibrous structure and resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity. The most commonly used type in residential construction was chrysotile, or “white asbestos,” often found in insulation and ceiling textures. Its durability made it ideal for fireproofing, soundproofing, and insulation between the 1930s and 1980s. 

Today, it’s recognized not as a miracle material, but as a known carcinogen. 

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are cut, broken, or disturbed, typically during renovations, they release tiny airborne fibres that can lodge in lung tissue. These fibres are invisible to the naked eye and odourless, making them particularly insidious. Long-term exposure can cause: 

• Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive cancer, almost exclusively linked to asbestos. 

• Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease caused by fibrosis (scarring). 

• Lung Cancer – With heightened risk when combined with smoking. 

• Ovarian and Laryngeal Cancer – Increasingly recognized as linked to asbestos exposure. 

According to Cancer.ca, even short-term exposure in certain conditions can be hazardous, especially when fibres are disturbed and inhaled. 

Asbestos remains Canada’s top cause of occupational death, with long latency periods making it difficult to detect exposure until decades later. According to the Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC): 

• Over 430 new mesothelioma cases and 1,900 asbestos-related lung cancer cases occur annually in Canada. 

• Asbestos exposure was estimated to be responsible for 63% of work-related cancer deaths in Ontario construction. 

These statistics emphasize that asbestos is not just a historical concern; it’s a current health crisis, especially in renovation-heavy urban centres like Toronto. 

While tradespeople (such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians) are most commonly exposed during active work, secondary exposure is a concern as well. Asbestos fibres can cling to clothing, tools, or hair, unwittingly putting family members at risk. 

This is why any renovation or demolition in older homes must begin with a professional asbestos inspection and abatement plan. 

Globally, asbestos is listed as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), alongside tobacco smoke and plutonium. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada both confirm there is no safe level of exposure. 

Even though Canada banned most uses of asbestos by 2018, countless Toronto homes built before 1986 still contain ACMs. These materials are not dangerous when sealed or intact, but once disturbed during a renovation, they become a health hazard. 

Until they are properly identified and removed by certified professionals, they pose a lingering threat to health and safety. 

There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and even brief, unprotected contact during DIY work or demolition can have lifelong consequences. This makes professional testing and removal not just a recommendation, but a necessity. 

Go Pro Restoration Toronto provides certified, full-service asbestos testing and removal. These services are tailored specifically for Toronto’s aging housing stock, with licensed inspectors, strict containment protocols, and third-party air clearance testing. 

Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found in Older Homes?

If your home dates from before the mid-1980s, it’s essential to know where asbestos may be hiding before starting any renovation. Here’s where to look: 

• Often found in loose-fill insulation, vermiculite, especially the “Zonolite” type, may be contaminated with asbestos fibres. 

• It was installed in millions of homes across Canada from the 1920s to the 1990s. Disturbing it during re-insulation can release fibres into the air. 

• Flooring used between the 1950s–1980s often contains asbestos.
• Tiles were usually 9″×9″ and attached with black adhesive (“mastic”) that may also contain asbestos.
• Removing or sanding floor tiles can release fibres; lab testing is recommended before DIY removal.

• These acoustic ceiling finishes, common in ’60s–’70s homes, often contain 1–10% asbestos
• Damage or removal (e.g., scraping ceilings) can suspend these fibres into the indoor air and pose health risks.

• Older systems frequently used asbestos-based wraps, tapes, and blankets. 
• These materials degrade over time and release fibres when repaired, replaced, or cut. 

• Asbestos cement was common in roofing shingles, siding boards, and patching compounds before 1978. 
• Disturbing these materials, for example, during replacement, can release airborne fibres. 

• Asbestos was included in drywall muds and tapes for fire resistance and durability. 
• Cutting into walls or sanding plaster may release fibres trapped within these compounds. 

Why Do Identification and Testing Matter? 

• Unseen Hazard: Asbestos in intact, undisturbed materials poses little risk, yet renovation transforms these safe materials into dangerous, airborne fibres. 

• Regulatory Requirement: Ontario law requires certified asbestos testing before disturbing suspect materials. 

• Hidden Layers: You may find asbestos disguised beneath modern finishes, such as vinyl tiles covering asbestos-cement underlayers. 

Understanding where asbestos hides is the first step in protecting your health, your property, and your renovation timeline. When it’s discovered, or even suspected, Go Pro Restoration ensures licensed, safe intervention so your project can proceed without risk. 

Neighbourhoods at Higher Risk 

Toronto’s pre-1986 housing stock, known for its charm and character, unfortunately, also increases the likelihood of hidden asbestos. The neighbourhoods below have a high concentration of older homes and have seen frequent asbestos issues during renovation projects. If you’re working or living in these areas, extra vigilance is key. 

East York and Leaside 

Built primarily in the 1950s–1970s, these areas feature vermiculite attic insulation, asbestos-containing drywall compounds, old vinyl floor tiles, and black mastic adhesives. Homeowners digging into ceilings or upgrading boomer-era basements often discover ACMs. 

High Park and The Junction 

Known for mid-century bungalows and early post-war homes, these properties typically have popcorn ceilings, pipe and duct insulation, and textured wall finishes laden with asbestos. HVAC upgrades or plumbing work often disturb these hidden hazards. 

The Annex 

This heritage-rich area contains a mix of Victorian and post-war homes, often featuring boiler wraps, steam pipe insulation, and plastered walls with embedded asbestos compounds. Renovations, whether cosmetic or structural, can easily expose dangerous fibres. 

The Beaches and Scarborough 

Suburban builds from the 1960s–70s dominate here. Expect vinyl tiles, cement siding, roof shingles, and adhesive mastic in many homes. Roof replacements or exterior renovations pose airborne contamination risks. 

North York and Etobicoke (Pre-1990 Homes) 

These sprawling neighbourhoods feature row houses and low-rise properties with flooring, drywall joint compounds, duct wrap, and roofing materials that commonly contain asbestos, even where surface finishes have been updated. Cutting, drilling, or sanding often disturbs them unexpectedly. 

If you’re renovating in any of these older neighbourhoods, such as East York, High Park, Leaside, and The Annex, be aware they are high-risk for asbestos due to their pre-1986 construction.  Let Go Pro Restoration be your first call, not an expensive afterthought, when starting work in any of these neighbourhoods.  

Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities

Under Ontario Regulation 278/05, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) any renovation, demolition, or repair project involving potential ACMs requires testing and appropriate handling procedures. This law applies to all types of properties and projects, regardless of whether the work is performed by a homeowner, contractor, or builder.

1. Testing Is Mandatory
Before any renovation, repair, or demolition, even in private homes, suspected materials must be inspected and sampled by a qualified inspector. This applies regardless of whether asbestos is detected or suspected.

2. Secure Documentation
Owners and contractors must maintain on-site records detailing:

• Locations and conditions of ACMs
• Sampling results
• Annual reassessments and updates to the Asbestos Management Plan.

3. Notify and Communicate
If asbestos is discovered, especially unexpected materials, the construction contractor must notify the Ministry of Labour, site owner, and any health and safety representatives immediately, and halt work until a plan is in place.

4. Follow Risk-Based Remediation Protocols
Work involving:

• ≤ 1 m² of non-friable ACM is considered low-risk;
• ≥ 1 m² or friable ACM is medium/high-risk.
  Higher-risk activities require strict containment (e.g., negative air pressure, HEPA filtration), trained personnel, certified oversight, and respirators/compliant PPE.

5. Final Clearance Testing
For type 2 and especially type 3 asbestos operations, a third-party must perform clearance air testing. Only after passing the test and issuing a clearance certificate can work resume and re-occupancy occur.

6. Penalties for Non-compliance
Ignoring regulations can result in severe consequences, such as fines, project shutdowns, insurance denials, and legal liability under OHSA Safety First Training.

Failing to follow Ontario’s asbestos regulations can lead to serious health risks, legal penalties, and project delays. Homeowners and contractors are legally required to test for asbestos before any renovation or demolition, and to follow strict abatement protocols if it’s found.

Ensure your renovation is safe and legal, book your certified asbestos inspection and abatement with Go Pro Restoration Toronto today.

Why DIY Testing or Removal Can Be Dangerous

Asbestos is unlike other renovation risks; it’s invisible, odourless, and potentially deadly. While DIY home improvement projects have surged in popularity, asbestos is one area where cutting corners can have devastating health and legal consequences. 

The Illusion of Control 

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that with gloves, a mask, and YouTube tutorials, they can safely remove or test materials on their own. However, disturbing asbestos, even unintentionally, can release millions of airborne fibres into the home’s air, where they linger for hours and travel through HVAC systems, affecting every room. 

Unlike mould or lead paint, asbestos fibres are microscopically small and cannot be cleaned up using standard vacuums or cleaning supplies. Once airborne, these fibres can be inhaled and embed deep in the lungs, where they remain permanently. 

Common DIY Mistakes 

• Sanding or scraping popcorn ceilings that contain asbestos. 

• Removing old vinyl flooring without testing the tiles or mastic glue. 

• Drilling into plaster or drywall containing asbestos-laced joint compound. 

• Cleaning vermiculite insulation without respiratory protection or air containment. 

These activities not only put the homeowner at risk but also expose family members, pets, and neighbours to second-hand contamination. 

DIY Testing Isn’t Reliable 

tore-bought asbestos test kits are often inaccurate and fail to meet Ontario Regulation 278/05 standards. Proper testing requires: 

• Multiple samples from different materials and locations. 

• Trained inspectors to identify hidden ACMs. 

• Certified laboratories to analyze results. 

Improper sampling can actually release fibres and contaminate the space further, turning a small job into a major remediation effort. 

DIY asbestos removal is not only dangerous, it is also illegal, ineffective, and potentially far more costly in the long run. These fibres can remain suspended in the air for hours, settle in HVAC systems, and contaminate entire homes. Professional testing and abatement are essential before initiating any such work. Trust professionals like Go Pro Restoration Toronto to handle asbestos safely and in full compliance from start to finish. 

When renovating a home in Toronto built before the mid-1990s, you need more than a strong ambition and a clear design vision. It requires precision, safety, and compliance. That’s where Go Pro Restoration Toronto excels. We offer a full-service, licensed asbestos abatement process tailored to the specific needs of the GTA’s older housing stock. 

Our certified technicians begin with a comprehensive site visit, identifying potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) based on the home’s age, construction style, and renovation history. Samples are carefully collected from suspect materials, such as ceiling textures, floor adhesives, insulation, caulking, drywall joint compound, plaster, and wallboards, using containment protocols to minimize fibre release. These samples are then submitted to accredited laboratories for precise analysis. 

Why it matters: DIY testing is often incomplete or unsafe. Our experts know where to look and how to sample correctly, ensuring accurate results and compliance with Ontario Regulation 278/05. 

If asbestos is detected, Go Pro Restoration creates a sealed containment zone using industrial-grade plastic sheeting and HEPA-negative air machines. This ensures that microscopic asbestos fibres don’t spread to other areas of the home during removal. Safety signage is posted, and entry is restricted to trained technicians equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Why it matters: Proper containment is critical. Without it, fibres can contaminate adjacent rooms, ductwork, and even neighbouring units in multi-family homes. 

Our trained asbestos removal professionals follow strict Ministry of Labour guidelines to safely remove and bag all contaminated materials. This includes scraping, lifting, or dismantling ACMs, then securely sealing them in double-layered containers for regulated disposal at licensed waste facilities. Every step is documented. 

Why it matters: Asbestos removal is legally classified as high-risk work. Using uncertified contractors or attempting it yourself puts you at risk of fines, exposure, and liability. 

Once removal is complete, an independent third-party inspector performs final air quality testing inside the containment zone using PCM or TEM analysis (per Ontario standards). A clearance certificate is issued only when fibre levels are confirmed safe, and is often required for insurance, real estate transactions, and municipal inspections. 

Why it matters: Without official clearance, you can’t guarantee safety or move forward with your renovation legally or ethically. 

Unlike many abatement-only companies, Go Pro Restoration Toronto also offers full post-abatement restoration services. We repair drywall, insulation, ceilings, and flooring so that your renovation project can continue seamlessly, without needing to hire multiple contractors. 

Why it matters: We save you time and hassle by ensuring your space is safe and ready for the next phase of your renovation with a clean, professional finish. 

We understand that today’s homeowners care not only about safety, but also about sustainability and indoor air quality. That’s why Go Pro Restoration uses eco-friendly practices wherever possible, including: 

• Low-toxicity cleaning products post-abatement 

• HEPA-grade air scrubbers that capture 99.97% of airborne particles 

• Recycled or formaldehyde-free restoration materials 

• Careful dust and debris management to protect pets, children, and vulnerable individuals 

These choices ensure your home is asbestos-free and also healthy, comfortable, and future-ready. 

From start to finish, Go Pro Restoration Toronto ensures your home is completely clear of asbestos, legally compliant, and fully restored, ready for safe, confident renovation. 

Your Pre-Renovation Asbestos Checklist

Before you begin any renovation, no matter how small, use this checklist to ensure you’re not overlooking a hidden asbestos risk. Homes built before 1986 often contain ACMs in places you wouldn’t expect. Following this guide can save you from costly delays, legal trouble, and serious health hazards. 

1. Determine the Age of the Property

• Was your home or building constructed before 1986? 

• Are you unsure of the building’s full renovation history? Older structures in Toronto are high-risk. Even homes updated in the 1990s may conceal asbestos under newer finishes. 

2. Identify the Scope of Renovation

• Will you be removing flooring, ceilings, plaster, insulation, or ductwork? 

• Are demolition or wall penetrations part of the plan?  

3. Schedule a Certified Asbestos Test

• Has a qualified professional sampled suspect materials and sent them to a certified lab? 

• Have you received written lab results confirming asbestos presence or clearance? 

4. Secure Documentation and Clearance

• Do you have a written inspection report or asbestos management plan? 

• Will you need to submit documentation for building permits or insurance? 

5. Hire a Licensed Abatement Contractor (If Needed)

• Is your contractor certified under Ontario Regulation 278/05? 

• Are proper containment, PPE, and disposal procedures in place? 

6. Request Final Air Clearance

• Will a third-party perform final air quality testing post-removal? 

• Will you receive a clearance certificate verifying it’s safe to proceed or reoccupy? 

7. Plan for Safe Rebuilding

• Are eco-friendly, low-VOC materials available for reinstallation? 

• Will restoration be completed by a team familiar with post-abatement protocols? 

Pro Tip: Keep all testing records, abatement reports, and clearance certificates on file. These documents protect you in real estate transactions, tenant disputes, and insurance claims, and show that you put health and safety first. 

Plan Smart, Renovate Safe

Breathing new life into a classic Toronto home is an exciting journey, one that’s filled with potential, character, and charm. But beneath that vintage beauty could be a serious hazard that’s easy to overlook. Asbestos, once praised for its fire resistance and strength, is still present in many older properties and can pose major health risks if disturbed. Before you get too deep into your dream renovation, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re working with. Renovating a vintage Toronto home can be incredibly rewarding, but also risky if you ignore the presence of asbestos. Health consequences, legal trouble, and costly delays can all stem from a lack of planning. 

Whether you’re upgrading a family home, modernizing an investment property, or managing a renovation for a client, asbestos testing should always be your first step. 

Go Pro Restoration Toronto is your trusted partner in safe, compliant, and efficient asbestos remediation. Our certified team is ready to inspect, remove, and restore, so you can build with confidence. 

Don’t start your renovation project without knowing what’s behind your walls. 

Book Your Asbestos Inspection Today