In Calgary, the city has made the decision to stop using recycled asphalt that contains traces of asbestos. The recycled asphalt has been used for repairs and to fill potholes in the roads.

Over the summer, monitoring of 34 main roads in the city showed that 21 of the roads contained some amount of asbestos. The change is coming due to some complaints from civic leaders, union bosses, and activists. 

Although studies performed through August and September show that the levels of asbestos exposure in the air were below what is required, the city has made it a priority to remove all asphalt containing asbestos.

Ryan Jestin, the city’s Director of Roads, says the decision was made to keep their workers safe. The city still plans to continue recycling asphalt but will remove particles containing asbestos. 

As for the asphalt that still contains asbestos, it will be sold off to other sources. If the city finds that use of the asphalt containing asbestos is not harmful, the city could possibly use the material again.