Your Calgary home may hold decades of memories, but if it was built before 1978, it may also contain a hidden health risk: lead based paint. While lead paint can appear harmless when intact, normal wear, deterioration, or renovation work can release toxic dust and paint chips. These contaminants pose serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women.
At Wise Abatement, we understand the importance of preserving older homes while protecting the people who live in them. As a trusted contaminant removal company in Calgary, we provide professional lead paint removal services to help ensure your home remains a safe and healthy environment.
Understanding Lead Paint and Why It Is Dangerous
Lead was widely used in household paints for its durability, vibrant colour retention, and moisture resistance. Its use was most common before 1950 and continued until residential lead paint was banned in Canada in 1978. As a result, many Calgary homes built before this time may still contain lead paint beneath newer layers.
The risk increases when lead paint deteriorates, peels, chips, or is disturbed during activities such as sanding, scraping, or demolition. These actions create fine lead dust that can be inhaled or ingested, often without immediate symptoms.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead is a powerful neurotoxin. Even low levels of exposure can cause serious and lasting health effects, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
Children
Young children are especially at risk due to frequent hand to mouth behaviour. Lead exposure can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, reduced IQ, behavioural issues, and damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
Pregnant Women
Lead can cross the placenta and interfere with fetal development. Exposure during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and long term developmental problems.
Adults
Adults exposed to lead may experience high blood pressure, headaches, joint and muscle pain, memory issues, and reproductive complications.
Wise Abatement Tip:
If your home was built before 1978, pay close attention to areas where paint experiences friction or wear, such as windows, doors, stair rails, and trim. Never dry sand or scrape suspected lead paint, as this can release hazardous dust into your home.
Your Trusted Partner for Lead Paint Removal in Calgary
Removing lead paint safely requires specialized training, equipment, and strict safety procedures. Wise Abatement has over 13 years of experience serving Calgary and Southern Alberta with professional hazardous material removal services.
Our Safety Commitment
• Over 13 years of hazardous material removal experience
• COR safety certified
• Fully licensed by the City of Calgary
• $5M liability insurance and $2M pollution coverage
• Safe Removal Guarantee with documentation and clearance testing
Our Lead Paint Removal Process
We follow a structured and proven process designed to protect both occupants and property.
Initial Assessment and Testing
We inspect the property and collect samples for laboratory testing to confirm the presence and concentration of lead before any work begins.
Customized Abatement Plan
Based on the results, we develop a site specific plan outlining removal methods, containment procedures, timelines, and clear pricing.
Containment and Air Filtration
Work areas are sealed to prevent dust migration. HEPA filtered air scrubbers are used to maintain negative air pressure and capture airborne particles.
Safe Removal or Encapsulation
Lead paint is removed using approved techniques such as wet scraping or chemical stripping. In some cases, encapsulation may be recommended based on the condition of the paint and the environment.
Thorough Cleaning
After removal, the area is cleaned using HEPA vacuuming and wet cleaning methods to eliminate all remaining lead dust.
Clearance Testing
Independent third party testing confirms the area is safe for re occupancy or continued renovation.
Proper Disposal
All contaminated materials are securely packaged and disposed of at approved facilities in compliance with provincial regulations.
Wise Abatement Tip:
If you are purchasing or renovating an older home in Calgary, include lead paint testing in your inspection or renovation planning. Early testing helps prevent unexpected delays, health risks, and additional costs.
Peace of Mind with Wise Abatement
Choosing Wise Abatement means working with professionals who prioritize safety, transparency, and ethical practices. Our detailed process, comprehensive insurance coverage, and Safe Removal Guarantee help ensure your home is not only visually appealing, but also genuinely safe for your family.
Protect Your Home and Family from Lead Paint Hazards
Whether you are a homeowner, renovator, or real estate professional, addressing lead paint hazards is essential when dealing with older properties. Wise Abatement provides professional lead paint removal services throughout Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane, and Southern Alberta.
Call (587) 997-6500 today for a free consultation or to request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if my home has lead paint?
You cannot tell if paint contains lead just by looking at it. The only way to confirm its presence is through professional testing. If your home was built before 1978, it’s highly probable that lead paint was used, especially on older layers.
Is it safe to simply paint over lead paint?
Painting over intact lead paint can temporarily encapsulate it, reducing immediate exposure risks. However, if the underlying lead paint is chipping, peeling, or disturbed during the painting process, it can release lead dust. Encapsulation is not a permanent solution and does not remove the hazard; it merely covers it. For full remediation, professional removal is recommended.
What are the legal requirements for lead paint removal in Alberta?
While there isn’t a specific provincial ban on lead paint removal by homeowners, Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code outlines strict requirements for any work that disturbs lead-containing materials, particularly for employers and contractors. Proper containment, personal protective equipment, and disposal are mandated to protect workers and the environment.
How long does lead paint removal usually take?
The duration of a lead paint removal project depends on the size of the area, the number of layers of paint, and the chosen removal method. It can range from a few days for a small area to several weeks for an entire home. Wise Abatement will provide a detailed timeline in your customized abatement plan.
Can I stay in my home during lead paint removal?
For your safety, it is generally recommended that occupants, especially children and pregnant women, vacate the premises during professional lead paint removal. Our containment procedures are designed to prevent lead dust from spreading, but vacating will provide an additional layer of caution against potential exposure. We will discuss this with you during the planning phase.
Protect your loved ones from lead paint hazards. Contact Wise Abatement at (587) 997-6500 or request a free quote online.
