Hazardous Materials
Asbestos
Asbestos is a hazard to health when the fibers are disturbed and become airborne. This means that asbestos poses health risks only when fibres are present in the air and then people breathe them into the lungs. Fibres can be released into the air when asbestos-containing products break down. This release can happen through deterioration or when the material is cut or disturbed.
Lead-based Paint
Lead is no longer used in household paint. However, before World War II, paints typically contained substantial amounts of lead, ranging from 10 percent to as much as 50 percent. After the war, the use of lead in paint was reduced, but some paints still contained high amounts of lead. Lead-based paint may be a source of exposure if it is peeling or chipping, or when lead-contaminated dust is created during sanding or other renovation activities in older buildings. In 1976, the amount of lead that could be added to interior paint was limited by law, but exterior paint could still contain high amounts of lead provided it carried a warning label.
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