Where is Lead Based Paint Commonly Found and Why is it Dangerous?

You have probably heard warnings about lead based paint, especially if you own an older home or building. Lead based paint was used on any and all surfaces, from walls and ceilings to exterior paint. Most of the time, lead based paint is hidden under layers of newer, non-hazardous paint. But it can be disturbed during renovations, exposing you, your employees or your family, to dangerous lead. 

Why is Lead Dangerous? 

Lead itself is a concern because it can damage your brain and nervous system. Children are especially susceptible as they more readily absorb lead into their bodies. This also means that pregnant women are at a higher risk of danger from lead exposure, as unborn babies can be greatly damaged by lead exposure.

How Old is Lead Paint Legislation? 

In 1973 Canada determined that paint containing more than 0.5% lead had to be labelled as unsafe to use in places accessible to children, meaning that if your building was constructed after 1980, it’s unlikely that lead based paint will be present. Older buildings, however, may be painted both inside and out with lead based paint, so if your home or building was constructed prior to the 1980s, you should be aware of the risks and test for lead on original painted surfaces. 

What to do About Lead Paint? 

If you are planning renovation work and suspect that your home or building was painted with lead based paint, you can hire a professional abatement company to safely test for, and if necessary,  remove the lead paint.  Companies such as Enviro-Vac have state of the art equipment that can measure buried layers of leaded paint and provide instant analysis.  They can then provide a solution for a wide range of abatement and remediation applications.