How Lethbridge is built
- Before 1961 19%
- 1961–1990 35%
- 1991–2000 11%
- 2001 or later 35%
Where asbestos shows up in Lethbridge houses
Of Lethbridge's 33,945 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 19% were built before 1961 and 54% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census.
- Vermiculite attic insulation: loose, pebbly, grey-brown or silver-gold granules.
- Vinyl floor tiles and their adhesive, textured ceilings and some plaster.
- Duct wrap and pipe insulation on older heating systems.
The rules in Alberta
Alberta's OHS Code requires certified workers for asbestos removal, and anyone planning asbestos removal, or demolition or renovation of a building containing asbestos, must notify Alberta OHS at least 72 hours before starting.
Whatever the rules, don't sand, cut or remove suspect material yourself before it's tested.
Testing and labs
A trained assessor takes small samples, and an accredited lab analyzes them; plan on about $50–$150 per sample. Asbestos labs in Canada are typically accredited under NIST's NVLAP program.
Our asbestos and vermiculite guide · Attic inspections in Lethbridge
If it's positive: abatement and removal
Leave the material alone until a plan is in place. For vermiculite, Health Canada says not to use the attic for storage, to keep children out and to seal gaps around the attic hatch, light fixtures and outlets, and to hire professionals trained to handle asbestos if you plan to renovate.
In Alberta: Workers in an asbestos work area need government-approved training and a valid asbestos worker certificate, and anyone planning asbestos removal, or renovation or demolition of a building containing asbestos, must notify Alberta OHS at least 72 hours before starting. Waste goes in sealed containers labelled as a carcinogen, and the landfill must be told in writing.
Abatement is quoted separately from testing. Get two or three written quotes that describe containment, what will be removed and how the waste will be disposed of.
Asbestos and vermiculite testing in Lethbridge: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in Lethbridge?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. Alberta's OHS Code requires certified workers for asbestos removal, and anyone planning asbestos removal, or demolition or renovation of a building containing asbestos, must notify Alberta OHS at least 72 hours before starting.
How much does asbestos testing cost?
About $50–$150 per lab sample, plus the assessor's visit. Abatement, if needed, is quoted separately.
What should I do if I have vermiculite in the attic?
Leave it alone, keep the attic closed, and have it sampled before any attic work. Health Canada advises against disturbing it or removing it yourself.
Who removes asbestos in Alberta?
Workers in an asbestos work area need government-approved training and a valid asbestos worker certificate, and anyone planning asbestos removal, or renovation or demolition of a building containing asbestos, must notify Alberta OHS at least 72 hours before starting. Waste goes in sealed containers labelled as a carcinogen, and the landfill must be told in writing.