The residents of the town of Asbestos in Quebec chose a different name, as the current name means asbestos, a toxic fiber that causes cancer.

The town of Asbestos (meaning asbestos), about 128km east of Montreal, will be renamed Val-des-Sources (Valley of Streams).

According to historian Jessica Van Horseen, the town was named Asbestos when the Royal Post began to use the name of the mineral to give it to a residential area that rose near the Jeffey mine.

Asbestos occurs in nature and is commonly used as an insulation material.

"We used to be very proud of the name, but now it is not because asbestos was the name of the fiber that made everyone afraid," said Louise Moisan-Coulombe, the former town chief.

"Every time we introduce ourselves from Asbestos, especially in the US, or when people read the word Asbestos on the packaging, everyone is afraid because they think it is poison."

Residents of town held a new name poll in mid-October. At the local car park, residents aged 14 and over can participate in the vote and nearly 2,800 people went to the polls.

"We are seeing a historic moment. I would like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm to vote," said the head of town Hugues Grimard.