What Building Products Contained Asbestos — and Why It Was Banned in Canada

Asbestos was once called a “miracle material.” It was strong, heat-resistant, soundproof, and inexpensive — everything a builder could want. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that asbestos exposure causes serious and often fatal lung diseases, leading to a national ban in Canada.Below is a clear guide on where asbestos was used, why it was banned, and when it became illegal to use in building products.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of thin, microscopic fibres. These fibres are resistant to heat, electricity, and chemical corrosion, which made asbestos popular for insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing throughout the 20th century.However, once asbestos materials begin to deteriorate, get damaged, or are disturbed during renovation, the tiny fibres become airborne. Inhaling these fibres can lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, often decades after exposure.

Common Building Products That Contained Asbestos in BC Homes

Here’s where asbestos was typically used in residential and commercial buildings built before 1990:

Insulation - Vermiculite (often Zonolite), pipe and duct wrap, boiler insulation, attic insulation - Fire-resistant and excellent heat retention

Flooring - Vinyl floor tiles (9x9 or 12x12), linoleum backing, adhesive “black mastic” glue - Durable and fireproof flooring

Ceilings and Walls - Popcorn ceiling texture, acoustic ceiling tiles, drywall joint compound, plaster, cement panels - Fireproofing and soundproofing

Roofing - Asphalt roofing shingles, tar paper, roofing felt - Heat and weather resistance

Siding and Exterior - Asbestos cement siding (often grey, rigid boards), stucco, chimney flues - Weather-resistant, low maintenance

Electrical - Fuse boxes, electrical insulation panels - Heat and fire protection

Plumbing and Heating - Pipe insulation, duct tape, gasket materials, boiler linings - Prevented heat loss and fire risk

Fireproofing Materials - Spray-on coatings for steel beams, cement mixtures - Fireproofing for structural safety

Automotive - Brake pads, clutch plates, gaskets - Heat resistance in high-friction areas

If a home or building was constructed before 1990, there is a significant chance that one or more of these materials may contain asbestos.

Why Asbestos Was Banned

Over time, health researchers found undeniable evidence that asbestos exposure was deadly, even at low levels and long after exposure.

The Main Health Risks:

Asbestosis – Scarring of lung tissue causing shortness of breath and chronic coughing.
Mesothelioma – A rare, aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Lung Cancer – Significantly higher risk among those exposed to asbestos dust or fibres.

These diseases can develop 20–40 years after exposure, meaning workers and homeowners who encountered asbestos decades ago are still being diagnosed today.Due to these serious long-term risks — and the impossibility of safely using asbestos in uncontrolled environments — Canada and most other nations decided to eliminate it completely.

When Was Asbestos Banned in Canada?

Here’s a timeline of asbestos regulation and eventual prohibition:

1970s–1980s: Use of asbestos begins to decline as medical evidence grows. Many provinces, including BC, start limiting asbestos use in new construction.
1985: The Canadian government classifies asbestos as a toxic substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
1990: Most new home construction in BC stops using asbestos-containing materials, though some imports and industrial uses remain legal.
2016: The federal government announces a comprehensive asbestos ban.
December 30, 2018: The Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations officially come into effect across Canada.
- This bans the import, sale, and use of asbestos and asbestos-containing products.
- Some highly controlled exemptions exist for specific legacy industrial or scientific purposes.

What This Means for BC Homeowners

While asbestos is no longer used, it still exists in many homes built before 1990 — especially those in established Victoria neighbourhoods like Fairfield, Oak Bay, and Fernwood.If you’re buying, selling, or renovating an older home:

Get an asbestos inspection (HazMat report) before beginning any renovations.
Never disturb suspected materials — hire professionals for testing.
Use WorkSafeBC-certified abatement contractors for safe removal.
Keep documentation for insurance, future buyers, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Asbestos helped build many of BC’s most beautiful character homes — but today, it’s recognized as one of the most dangerous materials ever used in construction.
By understanding where asbestos hides and following proper testing and abatement procedures, homeowners can preserve their property’s value while ensuring a safe and healthy living environment.