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Lead exposure as a result of disturbing lead paint is becoming a prominent safety concern in renovation construction and demolition. Whenever renovating older buildings, lead exposure is a potential risk. Lead exposure has been linked to an array of ailments, from developmental disorders to hearing loss. Young children living in older homes or low-income areas are at the greatest risk and are most commonly exposed to lead through dust from lead-based paint.
The widespread use of very high lead content paint was common until 1976, after which high lead content paint (up to 5000mg/kg) still continued to be used. In 1977, the intentional addition of lead to consumer paints was prohibited in the United States with the maximum set at 600mg/kg. Canada voluntarily adopted this value in 1991 for all Canadian produced consumer paints. The Surface Coating Materials Regulations made this official in 2005.
An estimated 37% of commercial buildings, schools and houses in Canada have lead based paints both inside and outside. In addition, lead is found in plumbing, water faucets, ceramic pottery glaze and crystal. The equivalent of 3 grains of sugar in lead dust ingested daily for a period of a couple of months can make a child lead toxic.
ACM is at the forefront of protecting health and safety with respect to lead construction materials in British Columbia. We work closely with regulatory agencies to develop your exposure control plans, work procedures, and training for handling of lead containing materials. To satisfy all your needs, we provide:
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