Glossary · Health & indoor air
Abatement and remediation (asbestos, mould, lead)
Also called: abatement · remediation · asbestos abatement · mould remediation · lead abatement · containment
Professional work to remove, seal or enclose a hazard such as asbestos, mould or lead paint, and to clean up safely afterward.
What it means
Abatement usually refers to asbestos or lead: trained crews contain the work area so dust can't spread, then remove the material or permanently seal or enclose it. Remediation is the usual word for mould: removing contaminated materials, cleaning the rest and fixing the moisture source. Painting over lead paint or covering mould without fixing the cause doesn't count.
Why it matters in an audit
Hazard work is quoted separately from testing and has to be finished before insulation or air sealing goes ahead in that area, so it affects both the order and the cost of an upgrade plan.
Typical numbers
Reference values with their sources. Your energy advisor’s report gives the figure for your own house.
| What | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Health Canada (asbestos) | Hire a professional to test before renovating, and a qualified asbestos removal specialist if asbestos is found | canada.ca ↗ |
| Health Canada (mould) | Get professional help for extensive mould (a patch over 3 m²) or mould that keeps coming back | canada.ca ↗ |