Last Updated on August 28, 2025
Asbestos is often called the “silent killer” because its microscopic fibres can linger in homes for decades without being noticed.
When disturbed, these fibres enter the air you breathe, increasing the risk of serious health risks and diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Many Toronto homeowners live in properties built before the 1990s, where asbestos was commonly used in insulation, flooring, roofing, and pipe wraps.
If you’ve been wondering whether your home or your health may be at risk, this guide explains what asbestos is, its health dangers, who is most vulnerable, and the safest way to protect your family.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals made up of thin, durable fibres: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. These fibres are resistant to heat, fire, and electricity, which is why asbestos was heavily used in Canadian construction throughout much of the 20th century.
In older Toronto and GTA homes, asbestos may still be found in:
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Pipe and boiler insulation
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Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
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Roofing shingles and siding
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Popcorn ceilings and drywall compounds
While undisturbed asbestos materials may pose little risk, once damaged or aged, the fibres can become airborne and easily inhaled. That’s when they turn into a serious health hazard.
Health Implications of Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can lodge deep in the lungs and cause long-term scarring and inflammation. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of serious asbestos-related diseases, many of which take decades to develop:
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Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent cough.
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Mesothelioma – A rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen, strongly linked to asbestos exposure.
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Lung Cancer – Risk rises significantly for smokers exposed to asbestos.
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Throat and Laryngeal Cancers – Fibres can irritate tissues in the throat and increase the risk of malignancy.
⚠️ Key warning signs of asbestos exposure may include:
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Wheezing or shortness of breath
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Frequent, unexplained coughing
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Chest or throat pain
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Fatigue and reduced lung function
Since these symptoms overlap with other respiratory issues, medical testing and professional asbestos inspections are the only way to confirm exposure risks.
Who is at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos is most dangerous when fibres are released into the air during renovations, demolitions, or natural deterioration of old building materials. The following groups face the highest risks:
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Homeowners in older properties – Houses and condos in Toronto built before the 1990s often contain asbestos in insulation, tiles, or ceilings.
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Construction and renovation workers – Tradespeople handling drywall, flooring, roofing, or HVAC systems are frequently exposed if proper precautions aren’t taken.
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Families of exposed workers – Asbestos fibres can cling to clothing and be carried into the home, unknowingly putting loved ones at risk.
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Individuals with long-term exposure – The severity of asbestos-related illness increases with both the duration and intensity of exposure.
Even if you feel healthy today, asbestos exposure is cumulative. Symptoms often appear only decades after first contact, making proactive testing and removal critical.
How to Protect Your Home from Asbestos
Because asbestos fibres are invisible and odourless, the only reliable way to confirm its presence is through professional inspection and testing. Attempting DIY removal is highly dangerous and not recommended.
Steps to safeguard your home:
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Book a professional asbestos testing and inspection in Toronto – Certified inspectors use specialized equipment to identify asbestos in insulation, flooring, ceilings, and other materials.
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Avoid disturbing potential asbestos materials – Don’t sand, cut, or drill into old drywall, tiles, or insulation without testing first.
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Hire licensed removal experts – Safe removal requires protective gear, sealed containment, and HEPA-grade air filtration.
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Combine remediation services – Many homes with asbestos also suffer from mold or poor indoor air quality. Addressing both ensures a healthier living environment.
At The Mold Guy, our certified team follows strict safety protocols to identify, contain, and remove asbestos. With advanced equipment and proven remediation practices, we not only protect your family from asbestos exposure but also improve indoor air quality through mold and mildew removal services.
Conclusion
Asbestos remains one of the most dangerous hidden threats in older Toronto homes. Because its fibres are invisible and symptoms often take decades to appear, many families live with exposure risks without realizing it.
The safest step is to be proactive: have your property professionally inspected, and if asbestos is present, arrange for certified removal. Protecting your home today means safeguarding your family’s health for years to come.
✅ Take Action with The Mold Guy
Don’t leave asbestos or mold unchecked in your home. Our Toronto-based team is IICRC-certified and equipped with the latest technology to handle asbestos testing, safe removal, and full indoor air quality remediation.
📞 Call The Mold Guy now for a professional asbestos testing and guaranteed peace of min
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos
1. How do I know if my home has asbestos?
The only reliable way is through professional asbestos testing. Visual inspection alone is not enough, since fibres are microscopic.
2. Can I remove asbestos myself?
DIY removal is unsafe. Disturbing asbestos materials without proper equipment can release thousands of fibres into the air. Always hire certified professionals.
3. Is asbestos still used in Canada?
Canada banned the manufacture, import, and use of asbestos in 2018, but many homes built before the 1990s still contain asbestos materials.
4. What health problems are linked to asbestos exposure?
Common conditions include asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and throat or laryngeal cancers. Symptoms may take decades to appear.
5. How much does asbestos removal cost in Toronto?
Costs vary depending on the amount and location of asbestos. A professional inspection is the first step to provide an accurate estimate.
