The Facts on Lead: Could it be Harming your Family?

Few people in Canada may be aware of the amount of lead that still exists in many of our homes.  It wasn't until 1976 that the Canadian government completely banned the use of interior lead-based paint.  Although known to be harmful, lead-based paint was used for its' superior colour and durability.  In fact, it is lead-based paint that makes the colours of painted roadways and bridges so brilliant today.

The amount of lead (classified as a heavy metal) in the environment increased during the industrial revolution and again the 1920s with the introduction of leaded gasoline. However, since the 1970s lead exposure in Canada has decreased substantially, mainly because of government regulations that phased out both leaded gasoline and lead-based paint for residential use.  According to Health Canada, lead is considered to be a significant environmental contaminant because it is toxic, persists in the environment and can be taken up by the body and stored in bone and other biological tissues (bio-accumulative) for many years.

It would appear that lead may no longer be a threat, or is it?  The lead paint that has possibly been on the walls of your home since it was built is still present under many layers of paint.  This lead shouldn't pose a threat, until it is disturbed.  Lead-based paint that has been disturbed due to renovation such as removal of walls and window/door fixtures, has become a major cause for concern in recent years.  In fact, in the United States, federally mandated regulations are now law regarding the appropriate clean-up and disposal of lead dust that results from these types of renovation activity.

The health risks of lead are serious.  Children under the age of six are most at risk from small amounts of lead because their bodies are still developing.  During normal and frequent playing of hand-to-mouth activity, children may swallow or inhale leaded dust from their hands, toys, food or other objects.  In children, lead can cause irreversible nervous system and kidney damage; decreased intelligence, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and learning disabilities; and speech, language and behaviour problems.  Among adults, pregnant women are especially at risk from exposure to lead, as it is passed from mother to fetus and may result in miscarriages, premature births, brain damage and low birth weights.  In adults, the health effects of lead include high blood pressure, fertility and sexual disorders in both men and women, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems and muscle or joint pain.  Lead can also harm pets if inhaled or ingested.  Lead poisoning does not always have obvious symptoms, in fact symptoms are often described as flu-like. 

Small amounts of lead-contaminated dust can poison children and adults.  If you home was built before 1976 and you are thinking about renovating, it may be worth your while to check if your home contains lead-based paint. 

Let me know if you want any more info about lead-based paint.  I'm EPA certified and our company does lead testing in the GTA.