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Lead Remediation

and Remediation Services

Professional lead remediation and removal services on Vancouver Island including lead-based paints, tiles, plumbing, and more. Call for a free consultation.

Learn more
Lead Remediation
and Remediation Services

Professional lead remediation and removal services on Vancouver Island including lead-based paints, tiles, plumbing, and more. Call for a free consultation.

Learn more
Photo of worker taking paint off of wall, Harbour Hazmat
Photo of washroom that may contain lead

Lead Poisoning

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was once used in products like paint, water pipes, porcelain, ceramics, and gas, but the Government of Canada now restricts its use in many products due to safety concerns. Unfortunately, it has been used in a variety of materials commonly found in households, with older homes being at higher risk of containing more of this material.

Lead Hazard police tape and cone

Some lead poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, muscle pain, stomach pain, and even death. Though, severe cases of lead poisoning are rare in Canada. You can be exposed to lead by ingesting products that have lead in them, or by breathing in lead fumes. Chewing gum in an area with lead fumes is a way to unintentionally ingest lead. This metal can stay in your body for over 25 years following exposure, so it is important to diminish exposure as much as possible.

For further information check out the wiki page on lead.

Wiki Page
Harbour Hazmat worker cleaning lead from inside home by windows

How do I know if my home contains lead?

Even though there are restrictions on lead in manufacturing products, it can still be found in several different places around the home. Older materials and products that are still in good condition may contain high levels of lead.

Photo of Harbour Hazmat worker cleaning inside home

Prolonged lead exposure has a compounding effect because it can stay in the body for years. Lead poisoning can have lasting harmful effects on people of all ages. For this reason, removing lead-based paint and materials from your home should be left to professionals. It may be tempting to strip lead paint yourself, but the process is dangerous and it is easy for nearby surfaces to become contaminated. WorkSafe BC regulates lead mediation and removal processes for this reason.

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Where is lead commonly found in residential homes?

We have outlined some common areas in residential homes where lead-containing materials have been found.

Exterior photo of home with greenery and blue skies outside home
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Lead-based Paint

Your home probably contains lead-based paint if it was built before 1960.
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Ceramic Tile

Ceramic floor tile, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom shower surrounds, and decorative exterior finishes.
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Old Cosmetics

Some cosmetics like lipsticks may contain lead as one of the ingredients

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Plumbing

Older homes may not have plumbing that is up to code that contains lead pipes.

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Several Manufactured Products

Some products made overseas may have less strict regulations regarding using lead in manufacturing.

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Exterior Finishes

If built between 1960 and 1990, the exterior may contain lead-based paint.

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Toys

Lead-containing materials in toys can be especially harmful to children.

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Once your home has tested positive for asbestos, we can safely remove it for you.
What to expect

Professional lead removal
and remediation process

NOP (Notice of Project)

A Notice of Project (NOP) is first submitted to WorkSafe BC for all lead remediation projects regardless of size and scope. WorkSafe BC is given 48 hours notice before the project starts so that their officers may come onsite for an inspection at any point in time. A copy of the NOP will be provided upon completion of the project.

Lead Containment

All lead abatement projects contain an enclosure referred to as a containment. The containment ensures airborne dust produced by disturbing the lead-containing materials is contained within the work area only. This protects the rest of the home and its residents from exposure to airborne lead dust. The containment areas may block access to areas within the home, including entrances and exits. Depending on the size of the project, residents may need alternative accommodations to ensure their safety during the abatement process. All lead-containing materials are removed during this abatement process.

Air Monitoring
and HEPA Air Scrubbers

Some lead-containing materials become brittle over time, which increases the chance of cracking and releasing lead fumes into the air. The type of material we are disturbing, its friability, and size of the project will determine the level of controls used to complete the remediation. Some projects may require 3rd party air monitoring and HEPA air scrubbers. These machines may need to run 24/7 until the project is complete and air quality in the workspace is deemed safe.

Clearance Letter

Once the abatement process is complete, a clearance letter will be provided. This letter is often required or requested by contractors as it explains the overall process for how the lead was removed from the building (including which materials contained lead) and declares the site is now safe from that material. This ensures future contractors can feel confident that the work site is safe for unprotected workers.

How much does it cost to remove lead?

Harbour Hazmat offers free estimates to safely remove lead-containing materials from your home. The estimate is based on the types of materials that need to be removed, the overall size of the project, and additional measures like air purification monitors and scrubbers. Our lead abatement process ensures this harmful substance is removed from your residence following proper safety procedures.

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Contact
Harbour Hazmat

For further information call Harbour Hazmat for a free consultation.

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Contact us
Construction worker looking at comera in work clothing and arms crossed
Contact
Harbour Hazmat

For further information call Harbour Hazmat for a free consultation.

Call us
Contact us