How to Read Your Asbestos Lab Report (Alberta Standards)

Why asbestos lab reports matter

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) requires confirmation of asbestos before any removal work begins. The City of Calgary also demands lab results when you submit the Asbestos Management Form. Accurate interpretation ensures you know which materials require removal, which can stay undisturbed, and how urgent the work is. A misunderstanding could lead to unnecessary costs or, worse, exposing your family or crews to harmful fibres.

Understanding the structure of the report

Most Alberta laboratories use standardized formats. The first page includes contact information, date received, turnaround time, and accreditation details (such as NVLAP or CALA). Subsequent pages provide a table listing each sample, its location, material description, preparation method, and analytical results. If your project involves multiple rooms or buildings, make sure the sample numbering matches your site map.

Sample tables typically include the following columns:

• •Client ID / Sample ID: The number assigned by your contractor to track the sample location.
• •Lab ID: The unique identifier generated by the lab; reference it when calling with questions.
• •Matrix / Description: A brief note describing the material—“gypsum board joint compound,” “vinyl floor tile,”

or “boiler insulation.”

• •Asbestos Type: Names the mineral detected (e.g., chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite). “None detected” means the

sample tested negative.

• •Percent (%) Asbestos: The proportion of asbestos in the sample. Anything above 0.5% is considered

asbestos-containing under Alberta OH&S.

Common terminology and what it means

Chrysotile: The most common asbestos mineral in Calgary homes, often found in drywall compound, texture ceilings, and floor tiles. Removal requires full containment and HEPA filtration.

Amosite or Crocidolite: Less common but more hazardous amphibole types. These typically appear in boiler or pipe insulation. Projects with amphibole asbestos may require additional air monitoring.

Trace: Some labs report levels below 1% as “trace.” Alberta OH&S treats any amount above 0.1% as potentially hazardous if friable. Consult professionals about appropriate controls.

Non-friable vs. friable: Non-friable materials, such as vinyl floor tile, are less likely to release fibres when intact. Friable materials crumble easily and demand stricter containment.

Interpreting the percentages

The percentage column guides abatement decisions. Materials containing more than 0.5% asbestos require removal before renovation or demolition. If the report shows “None detected,” you can proceed without abatement—but document the results in case an inspector asks for proof. When results fall between 0.1% and 0.5%, consult your contractor. Some municipalities, such as Okotoks or Airdrie, may still require controls if the material becomes friable.

Negative results do not eliminate the need for caution. If the report indicates “Homogeneous Area,” it means similar materials were assumed to have the same composition. If you later discover different finishes or suspect contamination, collect additional samples.

Understanding detection methods

Two primary methods appear on Alberta asbestos reports: PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). PLM is the standard, cost-effective test for most materials. TEM provides higher sensitivity, especially for fine-grained products like vermiculite insulation or drywall mud with low asbestos concentrations.

Some labs include a “Limit of Detection” (LOD). This indicates the smallest amount of asbestos the method can identify. For example, an LOD of 0.25% means the lab cannot guarantee detection below that threshold. If you need to confirm trace amounts, request TEM analysis.

Next steps after reviewing the report

Once you understand the results, it’s time to plan your project. If asbestos is present, engage a certified contractor like Makki Abatement to develop a removal strategy. Share the lab report, renovation drawings, and timelines. The contractor will create a scope that aligns with provincial regulations and integrates services like selective demolition or mold remediation when necessary.

You’ll also need the report to complete the Calgary Asbestos Management Form. Attach it along with your containment plan, disposal strategy, and hygienist contact information. Permits cannot be issued without verified lab results.

Case study: reading between the lines

Consider a recent project in Calgary’s Glenbrook neighbourhood. The homeowner submitted three samples: drywall joint compound, vermiculite insulation, and linoleum. The lab report showed 3% chrysotile in the joint compound, “trace” amphibole in the vermiculite, and none detected in the linoleum. After reviewing the results, Makki Abatement designed a plan to remove the drywall compound and vermiculite under full containment while leaving the linoleum undisturbed. Air monitoring confirmed fibre levels remained below 0.005 f/cc, and the homeowner avoided unnecessary flooring replacement.

How to communicate with the laboratory

If anything in the report is unclear, contact the laboratory immediately. Reference the Lab ID and sample description. Labs can often provide additional detail, such as photographs, which help contractors explain the findings to property owners or insurers. Keep in mind that labs cannot give remediation advice due to liability; they can only clarify analytical results.

Archiving your reports

Store digital and physical copies of every lab report. Future renovations, real estate transactions, and insurance claims may require them. Many homeowners create a building history binder that includes lab results, permits, and clearance certificates from projects in communities like Calgary, Chestermere, and Cochrane.

Partnering with professionals

Interpreting lab reports is only the first step. Working with experienced contractors ensures safe, efficient removal. Makki Abatement’s team handles sampling, reporting, containment, and final clearance. We’re available to walk through your report, explain every line, and develop a plan that fits your budget and timeline.

Have a lab report and not sure what to do next? Contact us for a consultation or explore our Calgary asbestos abatement services to move forward confidently.