Residential Painting Ottawa, Ontario: Should I Be Worried About Lead Paint

It is often during a renovation project that we discover old layers of lead paint.
Do not panic. There is no immediate danger.
However, a few steps should be taken, pending future regulations, which seem inevitable.

Lead is a public health problem. Widely used in water pipes and paint, it is responsible for diseases, such as encephalopathies or anemias, and more general cases of lead poisoning.

The first affected are naturally children who have more difficulty in eliminating the lead elements inspired and/or ingested than adults.

The lead was banned many years back in the 1970s. However, many old buildings still have lead paints on their walls. Often old coats that have been repainted over and over again suddenly, there’re numerous requests from homeowners in Ottawa, Ontario, during their renovation work, to check that there are no traces of the offending product.

In this case, the request for information can turn into an order to remove the layers of lead paint from the walls.

In some cases, some homeowners who notice that their home wall previously painted using lead paint, request for total removal.
This removal often includes scrubbing and sanding off all the layers of the lead paint under a controlled environment, and only certified renovators can do that.
Keep in mind, however, that this option can get a bit more expensive.

What then, is the reality of this danger? If the professional recognizes the dangerous nature of lead paint, he often specifies that this harmfulness is only real in the event of degradation of the layer applied to the wall.
When it is in good condition or when other layers of paint have been applied over it, it does not present any direct risk.

However, because of what is happening in the distribution of water – all the old lead pipes must have been replaced.
If the budget allows, get rid of it right away, even if the law does not (not yet) formally require it.

Be careful; however, in this case, it is imperative to call in professionals. They will first carry out evaluations before starting work with the necessary protection since it is the debris and waste of this type of paint that are toxic.

The Bottom Line

Lead is a generally toxic element, whether it’s found in water, paint, or old piping. For the most part, you don’t worry about the toxic effects of the paint if the paint job is in good physical condition.

However, if the paint is degrading, or if you’re carrying out renovations, dust containing lead particles might get airborne and contaminate your living spaces.

If you suspect your home has traces of exposed lead paint, consider calling in a trained professional to remediate it.

Ideally, the pro will attempt to contain the exposed lead paint by painting a non-leaded coat over it.
In rare extreme situations, the existing coat of lead paint might need to be scrapped and sanded off before repainting.
If you need professional help repainting your home interior, our team at Millers Painting Company can help.

We offer high-quality residential and commercial painting services in Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, and Westboro areas of Ottawa, Ontario.

To get started with us, book a FREE estimate or call us on 613-979-5435.

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