What Is Lead, and Where Is It Found?
Lead was a common additive in residential paint until it was banned for that use in Canada in 1976, meaning homes built or last painted before that date may have layers of lead-based paint beneath newer finishes. Lead was also used in some older plumbing components, including lead service lines, older solder joints, and some fixtures.
Why It's a Concern
Lead exposure is a well-documented health hazard, particularly for children and pregnant women. With paint, the risk comes primarily from deteriorating or chipping paint, or from dust created during sanding and renovation. With plumbing, the concern is lead leaching into drinking water, particularly in older service lines.
What We Look For
- Home age and finishes consistent with pre-1976 construction
- Condition of painted surfaces, particularly peeling or chipping paint
- Visible plumbing materials and service line entry points where accessible
What this means for you
Like asbestos, confirming lead requires testing rather than visual inspection alone. If your home was built before 1976 and you're planning renovations that will disturb painted surfaces, testing beforehand is a reasonable precaution — especially if young children will be in the home.
Renovating Safely
If lead paint is confirmed or suspected, BC and federal guidelines — including the WorkSafeBC lead‑safe work practices — recommend specific precautions during renovation. These include containment of the work area, proper respiratory protection, minimizing dust generation, and thorough cleanup to prevent lead exposure. For larger projects, a qualified contractor experienced in lead‑safe procedures is worth the investment.