Is Lead Paint Dangerous?
Is Lead Paint Dangerous In Your Home?
Lead paint sitting intact on a wall is usually low-risk. The danger starts when it chips, peels, or turns to dust during sanding and renovation, especially for young children. Here’s what every owner of an older Calgary home should understand before disturbing old paint.
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When Old Paint Becomes A Health Risk
Lead-based paint was common in homes built before 1980. As long as it’s in good condition and undisturbed, it often poses little immediate risk. The problem is deterioration and disturbance: peeling, chipping, friction on windows and doors, and sanding during renovations all create lead dust and chips.
That dust is the real hazard. It settles on floors and surfaces, is easily ingested by young children, and can affect health over time. Testing and safe removal, rather than DIY scraping, are the right way to deal with it.
Why It Matters
Why Lead Paint Shouldn't Be Ignored
Risk To Children
Young children are most vulnerable to lead exposure, which can affect development, so homes with kids deserve extra caution.
Dust Is The Danger
Lead becomes hazardous mainly as dust and chips from deteriorating or disturbed paint, not from intact, sealed surfaces.
Renovations Release It
Sanding, scraping, and demolition on old paint create lead dust that spreads through the home if it isn't controlled.
Don't Take The Risk
Worried About Lead Paint At Home?
Don’t sand or scrape it yourself. Our certified team tests for lead paint and removes it safely when needed. Request your free quote today.
Reviews
Real Customer Reviews Speak Volumes
Peeling Or Chipping Paint
Deteriorating paint in an older home is the most common way lead dust and chips are created.
Friction Surfaces
Windows, doors, and stairs that rub create fine lead dust over time, even when paint looks intact.
Before Renovating
Any work that disturbs old painted surfaces should be preceded by testing, so lead isn't spread through the home.
Homes With Young Kids
If small children live in or visit an older home, testing old paint is a sensible precaution.
Reviews
Real Customer Reviews Speak Volumes
Carl C.
Excellent work! Great team to work with, from start to finish. Upfront regarding quote. Timely bin removal and replacement. Easy and continual communication throughout the demo process. Started the work on time and finished the project in a timely fashion. Will work with the team at Wise Abatement again and would also highly recommend.
Andrew J
Fantastic, professional team. They were quick to respond to our emergency, provide competitive pricing and were so personable through the entire experience. Would definitely recommend!!
Natalie B
Wise was excellent to work with on our massive renovation! We had various asbestos containing materials throughout our old house and Wise tackled it all without any issues. They had great communication, worked hard, and had fair pricing.
Jeff H
The team from Wise Abatement was everything you want from a remediation company. Efficient, responsive, clean, and easy to work with. Their work is high quality and affordable and I’d recommend them to anyone needing remediation work.
Teresa J
I have used Wise for a few of my projects. They are always welcome and happy to help me out even if it is just answering some of my questions. Very quick response and booking. The price is very reasonable. Love your team. Thanks for all that you do!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lead paint always dangerous?
No. Intact, well-maintained lead paint often poses little immediate risk. It becomes dangerous mainly when it deteriorates or is disturbed, creating lead dust and chips that can be ingested, particularly by young children.
Can I just paint over lead paint?
Sealing it with new paint (encapsulation) can be an option for intact surfaces, but it isn’t right for deteriorating or friction areas. Testing first tells you whether sealing or removal is the safer choice.
Can I remove lead paint myself?
It’s strongly discouraged. Sanding and scraping release lead dust throughout your home. Safe removal uses proper containment and methods, which is why a certified team is the right call.
