Renos can pose health risks for kids

Canadians making eco-friendly renovations to their homes could be putting their children's health at serious risk, say researchers. Lead-based paints, asbestos can be released in older homes

A new report suggests that if energy retrofits aren't undertaken carefully, the procedures could disturb leadbased paint and asbestos insulation in older buildings.

Green-conscious home repairs, which have gained popularity in the last five years, can improve on energy efficiency and lower utility bills, but the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) is warning parents with young children of the dangers involved in carrying out renovations without following guidelines.

Owners of old houses could release toxic chemicals when they scrape, burn or chip at lead-based paints when insulating windows, removing doors, drilling into walls or installing heaters, according to Bruce Lanphear, a Simon Fraser University professor involved with the report released Sunday.

As well, asbestos could be found on insulation, old pipes, ceiling tiles and exterior shingles, he said.

"Housing is the most significant source for lead intake in children," he said.

"If you scattered enough dust on the floor from (the lead-based) chipped paint, you could poison a child," he explained.

Roughly half the housing stock in Canada was built before controls on lead paint, asbestos and old caulking were put in place around 1978, meaning the potential hazards would apply to about five million households, said CELA researcher Kathleen Cooper.

The report notes that it is difficult to estimate how many buildings in Canada contain asbestos, but insulation contaminated with asbestos was used in up to 400,000 Canadian homes as loose fill in attics until 1990 when it was removed from the market.

The researchers warn that exposure to lead has been linked to slow development and learning disabilities in children. Lanphear's studies have shown that children with moderate to high levels of lead exposure can experience behavioural changes, including a greater likelihood of committing crimes as adults.

Exposure to asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen, can lead to cancer and other illnesses.

The researchers support the idea of renovating but warn parents and contractors to be cautious and to follow guidelines, such as containing the area being worked on, laying plastic on the floor for protection, and conducting a thorough cleanup.

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