What is Lead Paint?
The term "Lead Paint" refers to any paint that contains lead. These paints were most often oil based and used lead-containing compounds for color. Yellow, red, and white were the most common colors. Some of these paints were up to 40% lead by weight.
Why is it Dangerous?
Lead is known to be a toxic material, and can cause many health issues, the most serious of which are neurological. Lead can build up in the body over time, and can result in mood disorders, reproductive issues, joint and muscle pain, seizures, vomiting, and permanent neurological damage.
How Does Lead Paint Affect People?
Lead from paint can get into our bodies in a few different ways. As the paint deteriorates over time, it breaks down into dust, which can be inhaled. This process is relatively slow, but lead paint can contribute to poor indoor air quality over time. Sanding, scraping, or disturbing the paint can significantly increase the amount of airborne particulate.
Additionally, children have been poisoned by ingesting pieces of peeling or flaking paint. Lead paint flakes have a slightly sweet taste, which encourages children to put them in their mouths.
When Was it Used?
Lead paint was commonly used in Canada. The highest concentrations (up to 40% by weight) were used before 1950. Many paints from 1950-1976 contained lead, but in lower quantities. In 1976, the introduction of the Hazardous Products Act limited lead content in paint to 0.5% by weight. In 2005, additional legislation was introduced that limited lead in paint to its "background level" (the amount of lead naturally occurring in the atmosphere). Although this legislation was officially passed in 2005, Canadian manufacturers of consumer paints have been voluntarily conforming to this standard since 1991.
Lead paint is still available in other parts of the world to this day.
How do I Know if My Home Has Lead Paint?
If your home was built before 1991 there may be some level of lead in the paint. You can refer to the chart above for a more specific breakdown of lead levels by era. The only way to know for sure if you have lead paint, and in what concentration, is to have the paint professionally sampled and tested. Most interior lead paint has likely been painted over by this point, which makes gradual deterioration less problematic. If you are sanding, scraping, or disturbing paint it is a good idea to have it tested to protect your health.
Disposal
Construction waste contaminated with lead paint may be challenging to dispose of. Only landfills that are specifically equipped to prevent groundwater contamination from lead can accept lead-contaminated waste. Always call ahead, as you may require a special appointment to dispose of your waste.
Key Points
Lead is toxic and causes serious health problems.
Lead paint was common in Canada.
Lead content in paint has diminished over time since 1950.
This product is no longer used.
If you think you may have lead paint, have it tested before disturbing it.