Learn where to find lead in your building.

Lead is a naturally occurring, greyish hazardous metal that was used in consumer and industrial products. It can be found in buildings constructed prior to 1980. It was used in the paints, decorative glass, roof sheeting, and plumbing fixtures. Listed as a carcinogen, it is known to cause cancer and if proper precautions are not taken around lead those exposed may develop serious health issues.

What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring, greyish metal that is used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products and is a hazardous material. It is listed as a carcinogen (probably and possibly able to cause cancer in humans) by the International Agency for research on cancer. Lead also has a WorkSafeBC designation stating that the substance has an adverse reproductive effect.

If employers and workers do not take proper precautions for work around lead, workers may develop serious health problems. These same health problems apply to homeowners and families.

Where to find lead in your building?

Many older buildings in Canada may have lead-based paint on the walls, ceilings, doors, trim and exterior siding and trim. A structure most likely contains lead-based paint if it was built before 1980. If built between 1960 and 1990, the exterior may contain lead-based paint. The paint on interior surfaces may only contain lead in smaller amounts but could still be harmful. Structures built after 1990 should not contain lead because all consumer paints produced in Canada were virtually lead-free by this time.

Lead may also be found in ceramic tile glazing, decorative glass, roof sheeting and plumbing fixtures.

What is the risk of lead?

Removing, repairing or disturbing lead-based paint or ceramic tile containing lead, can expose workers, occupants and the public to serious health risks.

Lead poisoning can cause:

• anaemia
• brain development deficiencies
• central nervous system damage
• cancer

The risk is greatest for children because they are growing and absorb lead easily. Even small amounts of dust with lead are dangerous to infants and children. Unborn children are also at risk if the mother-to-be consumes lead. Currently, there is no known safe level of lead exposure.

How to minimize the risk of lead in your environment?

To prevent health problems, WorkSafeBC has developed requirements detailed in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations that Hazardous Material Abatement Contractors must adhere to when conducting work around, removing and disposing of lead.