Meeting Purpose

Discuss home hazards including lead, foundations, chimneys, and carbon monoxide as part of an ongoing series on residential hazards.

Key Takeaways

Lead paint in older homes poses health risks; professional testing and remediation may be required
Foundation issues can arise from poor engineering or soft substrates; proper permits and inspections are crucial
Regular chimney cleaning and WETT certification are important for wood-burning appliances
Carbon monoxide detectors are essential in homes with fossil fuel appliances or attached garages

Topics

Lead Paint Hazards

Historically used in paint for better opacity, especially for colors like yellow, red, orange
No longer used in modern paints due to health risks when ingested
Testing requires lab analysis of samples, no reliable on-site meters available
Primarily a concern in older homes; new construction shouldn't use lead paint
Professional assessment and remediation may be necessary if lead paint is suspected

Foundation Issues

Foundation stability depends on the substrate (ground) it's built on
Soft substrates like peat bogs can cause shifting and structural problems over time
Modern construction techniques drill down to solid substrates for stability
Signs of foundation issues: crooked staircases, cracked foundations, sloped floors
Proper engineering and permits are crucial, especially for hillside or cliff-side homes
Seismic requirements have evolved over time for earthquake-prone areas
Chimney Safety and WETT Certification
Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) certification required for wood-burning appliances in British Columbia
Annual WETT inspections recommended for safety and insurance purposes
Chimney fires can occur due to buildup of combustible residue inside the chimney
Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential to prevent chimney fires
Some stratas (HOAs) include annual chimney cleaning in their fees
Carbon Monoxide Risks
Colorless, odorless gas produced by fossil fuel combustion (e.g., natural gas, propane, gasoline)
Can be lethal if undetected; recent incident of elderly couple passing away from CO leak
CO detectors are crucial in homes with gas appliances or attached garages
Modern homes often have combination smoke/CO detectors built-in
Consider portable CO detectors when traveling, especially for vacation rentals

Additional Hazards Mentioned

Radon gas: naturally occurring in some areas, can cause long-term health issues
Pest infestations: professional pest control may be necessary, especially in certain environments
Bed bugs: can be a significant issue in multi-unit buildings and hotels

Next Steps
Install carbon monoxide detectors if not already present in the home
Schedule annual chimney cleaning and WETT certification for wood-burning appliances
Research local radon levels and consider radon testing if in a high-risk area
When buying/selling property, ensure all renovations and additions have proper permits
Consider portable CO detectors for travel, especially when using vacation rentals

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